How Information Technology Has Enhanced the Use of Computer-Assisted Education

Introduction

In the contemporary world of digitalization and communication, information technology (IT) has had tremendous impacts in many fields, such as education, manufacturing, and enterprising. One of the most valuable IT advancements in education is the use of computer-based learning in elementary classrooms. Proper utilization of technological tools in education has tremendous effects student's subject mastery and understanding. Examples of technological tools include computer games, SMART boards, teaching websites, and videos. Despite the fact that information technology has numerous positive impacts on education, its ethical dilemmas and negative aspects have a substantial effect on learning effectiveness.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

How IT Enhances the Use of Computer-Assisted Education in the Elementary School

Educational Games

According to research by Wilmore & Betz (2000), students reveal a positive attitude towards educational games in the classrooms. The trend is more familiar with elementary learners. Game-based learning has a proper balance of subject matter and gameplay, which enables children to apply the gained knowledge in real life cases. One example of such games is the computer puzzle. The puzzles engage children in critical thinking to develop their cognitive abilities. Notably, they equip young children with pronunciation and grammar skills. Secondly, teachers who use math games have reported an increased academic performance in their classrooms. Typically, computer games improve children's attitude towards complex subjects, increases their motivation, and enhance classroom involvement. The games make them forget they are working; thus increasing the effectiveness of teaching methods.

Use of SMART Boards and Visual Aids

Utilization of interactive whiteboards and smartboards in elementary classes compliments science studies in primary grades (Martin, Shaw, & Daughenbaugh, 2014). Notably, science is a complex subject and possesses many challenges for young children. In this case, whiteboards allow teachers to display various interactive features using their computers for the students to view. Unlike the conventional methods of teaching, these technological aids enable sciences to be interactive subjects, which students enjoy.

Additionally, smart boards assist teachers in classroom management. For example, teachers may display lunch choices and attendance register on the boards (Martin et al., 2014). The information may include pictures of various foods and the students' name. In this case, students can match their names with their lunch choices by using their fingers. Therefore, the situation makes it easier for the teacher to make lunch counts and report on the student's attendance. Many schools have applied the technology since it enables children to develop sufficient skills in computer literacy. Significantly, SMART boards equip children with digital presentation skills by manipulating the equipment.

Use of Videos

Teachers can utilize videos to emphasize and teach various subjects in classrooms. Visual aids and pictures motivate children. Notably, videos benefit learners by allowing them to see and hear information at the same time. The latter improves subject comprehension. Secondly, some teachers find it challenging, while explaining complex topics in classrooms. Wilmore and Betz (2000) claim that use of videos enhance teaching by relieving teachers the burden of trying to draw imaginary pictures in class. Notably, students are more likely to remember a video class more compared to open lectures.

Additionally, videos can be utilized as a means of time management. Educators can set the amount of time to teach a particular topic. Significantly, there exist various sites, such as Teacher Tube, that offer online teaching videos on specific subjects. Teachers and learners can search for the content online by use of specific topics to supplement their knowledge. Wilmore & Betz (2000) also add that animated videos have a long-term positive influence on a child's cognitive development in various areas such as critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

Podcasts

Podcasts allow students to create online audios that can be shared and downloaded in a group. Playing podcasts in classrooms enables teachers to supplement lesson teachings and develop a learning station. Notably, educational experts and individuals with similar interests in a specific topic create the podcasts. In this case, teachers can create podcasts and share with particular students. The situation enables the development of student-tailored teaching practices, where learners can explore difficult concepts while at home (Wilmore & Betz, 2000). For example, a teacher may create short audios on a mathematics subject that he or she perceives challenging to various learners and post it online. Later, students can download it and use it for their study purpose. Secondly, learners can create podcasts to educate their peers on various class topics.

Use of Virtue Trips in Geography Classes

Traditionally, geography classes were dependent on primary sources, which can be tiresome and boring for young children. Nevertheless, application of online apps search as Google maps and Google Earth allow teachers to take students on a virtue trip to a specific place of interest. For example, teachers can use Google Maps to identify the topography and boundaries of a particular location in the present time (Mumtaz, 2000). The phenomenon makes it interesting for children to study the subject. Additionally, the technological tools can be used to plan for a school trip by allowing students to choose a suitable route using Google Maps, which boosts their excitement levels.

Use of Microsoft Word and MS Excel

A computer is an essential tool in elementary schools. Firstly, it allows students to use various applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel to boost their writing and statistical skills. Through such applications, learners can check their spelling and grammar mistakes reducing the teacher's burden. Secondly, computers can be utilized for research. Students who learn to use computers at an early age find it easy to research complex subjects in their future studies (Mumtaz, 2000). Children friendly websites, such as Encarta, can educate elementary students on history and science studies.

Positive Impacts of Information Technology in Education

Enhancing Students' Interest and Engagement in Learning

Many schools across the globe have adopted computer-based learning programs in elementary classrooms. According to Mumtaz (2000), observation, students showed great interest in reading e-books compared to physical books. E-books are more comfortable to navigate and search for required contents as opposed to the conventional ones. As a result, learners preferred using them since it increased their speed in reading and research. Significantly, the interaction between online studies and students has an impeccable impact on their subject mastery. For instance, a student who utilizes online resources as part of their study materials is confident when answering exam questions. Secondly, computer games and multimedia visual aids make classroom interesting, which promotes engagement in learning. For example, computer games allow learners to works as a team to complete a given challenge. The phenomenon enables them to contribute their knowledge to create an information pool that is beneficial for academic excellence. Moreover, use of rich graphics and animations allows teachers and students to engage in jovial conversation, which increases motivation and enthusiasm in the class.

Enhances Children's Cognitive Development

Well-designed computer-based learning equips children with continuous feedback and individualized attention. The two aspects are necessary for learning regarding the cognitive development stage of elementary students (Wilmore & Betz, 2000). Memory, conceptual knowledge, language, and problem-solving are the main factors associated with a child's cognitive development. Notably, individualized attention allows a learner top understand complex subjects that are challenging at a personal level. In this case, teachers can create short videos to assist the learners.

Additionally, Wilmore and Betz (2000) argue that young children like to be in control of their attention. Therefore, they can use computers to control their attention by visiting specific sites and study material, which assists them in their academic work. Moreover, one of the most significant impacts of IT in elementary schools is fostering cognitive self-regulation and metacognition that develops in middle childhood. In this case, computers can help children work towards their goals, evaluate their outcomes, and learn to devise alternative options if their plans are unsuccessful.

Improves Knowledge Retention and Academic Excellence

Engaged and interested students have high knowledge retention. Additionally, motivation increase knowledge retention. On the other hand, the use of search engines and the internet allows students to gain knowledge from electronic sources such as eBooks and academic journals. The use of recorded lectures and podcasts permits elementary learners to share their knowledge with their peers (Wilmore & Betz, 2000). The situation enables learners to collaborate in their schools and communities. Significantly, IT helps children understand emerging trends in society and foster relationships.

Benefits for Teachers

Technological tools assist teachers in classroom management. For example, teachers can use interactive whiteboards to teach new concepts. In this case, the boards eliminate eye straining among children and permit the teacher to achieve his teaching target. Secondly, they can use the vast pool of online resources to improve their teaching. An effective teacher can foster knowledge retention and enhance a student's academic performance.

Adverse Effects of IT in Education

Reduced Social Interaction

Research has proved that children in the k-12 system who are exposed to computers for about five hours a day have reduced social skills compared to those who do not use computers. The situation is caused by the ability of the children to lack a sense of reality and reduced cognitive development (Wilmore & Betz, 2000). Notably, elementary children in grades K-12 develop a sense of reality at this age; therefore exposing them to excess technology may affect their metacognitive skills negatively.

Reduced Teaching Time

Despite technology improving teacher's effectiveness, concerns about reduced teaching time are evident. The many technological teaching tools such as videos will reduce the time a teacher spends per student (Mumtaz, 2000). Therefore, the quality of education decreases and can have negative impacts on a child's academic performance.

Lack of Privacy and Cyberbullying

Increased technological use in schools raises numerous ethical issues. One example is an infringement of children's privacy, which puts them in danger. Students may share their information online in social media platforms unwillingly exposing themselves to cyberbullying. In 80% of online sexual harassment cases, the bullies source the victim's information from social media platforms (Mumtaz, 2000). They send sex text messages to children, which has a net negative impact on their social well-being.

Conclusion

Overall, information technology has many benefits to computer-based learning in elementary schools. It assists in learning, classroom management, fosters the development of a child's cognitive and metacognitive abilities. However, technology possesses several ethical challenges and negative impacts on both students and t...