Effective uses of information communication technologies in elementary teaching

Effective uses of information communication technologies in elementary teaching

Elementary school children in the early 21^st century have a greater understanding of technology than their parents. Information communication technologies bring about several benefits to learner and teachers. No doubt, however, this leads young children towards the advanced understanding of technology in classroom. The old traditional methods of teaching via books, blackboard instruction and encouraging practical skills such as drawing and painting are still very important. The integration of technology is also important and can be brought into the classroom as complementary to older teaching methods. Information communication technology is important in elementary education because it enables children to search for the information they need and it is helpful for them in higher education studies. Many educationists believe that ICT needs to be better integrated into curriculums so all schools produce computer literate and independent learners. Today’s teachers are generally expected to utilize some form of Information communication technology in regular teaching practice. The use of ICT in the classroom creates innovative teaching opportunities for student-centered learning. There are different ways to use information communication technologies that should be considered when teaching today’s computer-literate generation.

Assessment tracking:-

Assessment is one of the most important aspects of teaching. Through assessment, a teacher gain insight into what the student already knows, what needs to be taught and whether information retention is optimal or not. Information communication technology makes the assessment more efficient because a teacher can track information on a spreadsheet or other assessment program. It is helpful to have one electronic file of all students instead having all printed record.

Morning meetings:-

Morning Meetings are common in elementary and middle year’s classrooms. A morning meeting serves as a sharing time at the beginning of the day where you can practice new skills. An interactive whiteboard is an ideal technological tool for a morning meeting, as students can gather around in a circle and the teacher can use it as a teaching tool during the morning activities.

Virtual Field Trips:-

Even if a classroom lacks an interactive whiteboard, a teacher can still use a projector or classroom computer to take students on a virtual field trip. When studying about foreign countries, find colorful pictures and video of the location to show students. Consider setting up the classroom like an airplane or bus, and taking the students on a "tour" of the country.

Benefits:-

ICT is a global phenomenon, and children who are computer literate at an early stage of their lives might deal better with the modern world. A sound knowledge of ICT makes it much easier for children to find and organize information. Although the ICT curriculum was sometimes poorly balanced, its use contributed to children doing better in some subject areas. It is to be found that the elementary school children spent as much time on computers as the curriculum allowed.

Effective uses of ICTs contribute to the timely transmission of information and knowledge, thereby helping education systems meets this challenge.

Here are some instructions to use Information Communication Technologies in elementary classroom;

·         Determine areas of the subject where ICT is applicable. Seek out software, websites and other ICT gadgets that are appropriate to the students' level of skills. And teacher should also conduct in-depth research on the practicability of the ICT method that will be choose by him/her.

·         Identify the computer software and any support materials that will match the students' needs and the curriculum have been chosen. Select CDs with interactive lessons and projects for students to solve problems.