Elementary Student Usage of ICT in the Classroom

Abstract

The elementary students of today have grown up in a world saturated with technology and are more comfortable using technology than students from the past. They are able to use information and communication technologies (ICT) to explore, create, and collaborate. In school, however, students are often expected to learn passively from drill and practice type software, in which the computer acts as a tutor and students learn from the technology. Instead, students should be given the opportunity to learn with technology, as a tool for meeting higher-order learning objectives.
 Schools must begin to integrate technology so that students are using ICT as a tool to meet standards, rather than a tutor. In order for technology to be successfully implemented in the classroom, teachers must feel comfortable and confident with the technology. They must believe that ICT is purposeful and beneficial to learning goals. Teachers must also receive on-going training and professional development to support the ICT integration.
 This project is a Third Grade Technology Resource website that supports teachers in their implementation of ICT in the classroom. The website includes WebQuests that require students to actively integrate ICT as a tool to meet learning objectives. For example, students are required to create movies, digital stories, and speaking avatars as a part of WebQuest tasks. These activities support students in actively learning with technology, instead of from technology. The website also provides teachers with information about introducing iPads into the classroom, including procedures to follow, app reviews, and related articles. The goal of the website is to act as a resource and support teachers in the implementation of ICT in the classroom. The website provides higher-order, technology-based activities for students to complete in the classroom, with the goal of meeting the needs of today???s learners.

Education