The Integration of The Use of Technology in The Classroom: Basis for Effective Instruction

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

It is believed that computers can improve the quality and quantity of teaching and student learning. Basically, the general public demands that technology becomes part of the educational process. This demand needs educational efficiencies forcing technology deep into the academy (Warren, Wilson) 2007. Like sophisticated interactive video, it is imperative to see technology as a means to improve learning. It is on this context that the researcher is motivated to conduct an investigation to evaluate teachers and students on the use of technology in the classroom.

METHODS

The study used the descriptive research design, using survey method. This is the most appropriate design to be used in this particular study since the proponent wanted to determine the perception of teachers and students on the use and the ability to integrate technology in the classroom. The proposed study used two sets of instruments. Part I of the instrument was designed to draw information on the demographic profile of the teacher’s respondents in terms of: age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, rank/designation, number of years in service. Part II of the instrument pertains to the respondents' perception on the use of technology in the classroom. This instrument was validated using test-retest method.

RESULTS

Based on the findings of the study the following results were made: 1. The female were the dominant gender of the respondents, educationally qualified and experienced teachers; 2. The teachers strongly agrees that students today are digital natives and that; Computers help them to learn in a meaningful way. Technology is a motivating and useful tool but should not be overly relied upon. They must use this tool to create desktop publishing, digital videos, digital videos, digital cameras, scanners or graphics and make use of technology in evaluating the output of students such as electronic portfolios.3. That students "strongly agree" that they enjoy working with a computer, use of computers to improve the quality of my work; make use of technology in creating output. 4. There is a significant relationship in the teachers' and pupils' perception in the use of technology in the classroom.

DISCUSSIONS

The teachers’ perception/experiences on the use of technology in the classroom indicates that they strongly agree on the following : Students today are digital natives; we need our classrooms to embrace a 21st century curriculum; technology creates an environment of greater student collaboration; computer helps me to learn the material in a meaningful way; technology is a new and exciting way of communicating with and motivating and useful for my subject area; technology is a motivating and useful tool, but should not be overly relied upon; use the internet to communicate with my students such as email, mailing lists, conferencing, social sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter); use technology to create desktop publishing, digital videos, digital cameras, scanners or graphics and make use of technology in evaluating the output of students such as electronic portfolios.