LIMURU CAMPUS

MAY-AUGUST SEMESTER

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

UNIT CODE: ECT 300

UNIT TITTLE: EDUCATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT NUMBER: BED-ARTSLMR285522

LECTURER: DR. JAMES GATHUGU

DUE DATE: 8TH AUGUST 2023

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 26TH JULY 2023

TASK: CAT ONE

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QUESTION ONE

Describe the Types of Community Resources available in the Rural Settings that can be
used in the Instructional Process of CBC. (10 Marks)

INTRODUCTION

Community is regarded as group of people living together in a common locality sharing a

common culture, ideas, language as and facilities; defined with respect to its size for instance, a
school, clan as well as village. A learning resource relates to anything or a person with
instructional content applicable both formally and informally in the instructional process and is
vital in facilitating the instructional learning process. A learning resource can be textbooks,
supplementary reading and informational materials, charts, resource person, agencies as well as
organizations. A community learning resource; regarded as people or items found within a
physical, socio-cultural and economic environment or a given locality in place and can be
adopted and integrated in the process of conveying the instruction process to the students. As a
result, a community does provide assistance and can be a non-profitable company (Non-
Governmental Organizations), business or owned by the County or National Government in
place;

i. The media

The media like radio, television, newspaper as well as internet often influences the information
available, the way is given and its influence to the students. The media interpretation to the news
does affect students’ thoughts as well as their actions;

a) Community fok save

These are community made resources used to share information and communicate with the
school and the wider community. These community fok save can be very simple and include
accessed classrooms. Likewise, they can be community bulletins or newsletters published with
the sponsorship of the local business.

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 b) Newspapers

Newspapers like Daily Nation, The Standard and Taifa Leo can be used by the students and often
provides rich source of teaching as well as learning activities. The following are the features in
the newspapers that are crucial in the instructional methods to students;

 Expressive Arts

The front page can be used to provide layout, designs, use of graphics and fronts,
complementary colors, following directions and instructions; vital in the learning process since
they provide practical activities to the learners.

 Language

The language applicable in the newspapers is very simple and allows the students to identify the
relevant examples and models for the writing features stones, modeling a sentence as well as
writing captions for photographs.

Advantages of newspapers

 They are cheap and affordable

 They are readily available; this means that even at the rural settings they can be easily be
accessed.
 Provides entertainment and sports news therefore the students cannot be bored while
using them
 Improves students writing and reading skills.
Disadvantages of newspapers
 Some contains the irrelevant topics that can influence the learners’ behavior negatively
like the sexual contents.

 Newspapers often waste a lot of papers; a lot of paper is wasted in publishing news article
since people believe that many things have shifted to online mode, and digital format is
easy, handy, and accessible.

 Advertisement: Some newspaper only contains an advertisement, and the news portion is

very limited. It irks the reader if they do not find any relevant news material in the

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 Newspaper. They are deeply pained to know that they are paying for the news, not for
seeing an advertisement in the Newspaper.

ii. Text books

Textbooks are crucial in classroom teaching process in all educational institutions (public
schools, college language schools) in the rural context. Teachers are often allowed to choose
their own textbooks. The vast majority of teachers, however, have textbooks suggested,
prescribed, or assigned to them (Garinger, 2001). 

Advantages of using textbooks

 They provide structure and a syllabus for a program.

Without textbooks a learning process could not have any central perspective and learners may
not receive a syllabus that has been systematically planned and developed.
 They help standardize instruction
The use of a textbook in a program can ensure that the students in different classes receive
similar content and therefore can be tested in the same way.
 They maintain quality
 If a well developed textbook is used students are exposed to materials that have been tried and
tested, that are based on sound learning principles, and that are paced appropriately.
 They provide a variety of learning resources
Textbooks are often accompanied by workbooks, CDs and cassettes, videos, CD ROMs, and
comprehensive teaching guides, providing a rich and varied resource for teachers and learners.
 They are efficient
They save teachers’ time thus enabling teachers to devote time to teaching rather than material’s
production.
Disadvantages of textbooks

 Some of the used textbooks are outdated

Some do not contain the up to date information. This is critical since it may lead to grasping of
unwanted content to the students

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  Capital intensive

Some of the up to date textbooks are very expensive in acquiring thus undermining the all
instructional process.

iii. Charts and calendars

These are used to show the community work as well as the social activities with an aim of
highlighting problems as well as concerns about people’s livelihood, health and community
relations. Chart is known as one of the visual aids used to resume, compare and against reality;
that can be used in teaching and learning process particular for the Competency Based
Curriculum students. Alternatively, charts are information in the form of diagrams, lists or
drawings and often display the relationship between numbers for the students to refer to.

Advantages of charts or calendars in instructional process

 Improves the level of retention through engaging students in the learning process.
 Improves the academic performance; with the easy comprehension, retention and
understanding of the courses through the use of charts in the instructional program, it
automatically leads to an improved academic performance.
 Improves the understanding of the topic; students tend to have a better understanding of
the subjects taught using charts since this steers them in the face thus bringing to life their
imaginations as well as clearing doubts.

Disadvantages of using charts in the instructional process

 Data misinterpretation; some students jump to conclusions and interpret graphs

inaccurately, resulting in incorrect answers to applied math problems. 
 Complacency; students who rely solely on technology-generated math graphs for
classroom learning, such as those produced by graphing calculators and computer
programs, might become complacent.

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iv. Transect or field or nature walk

This is the form of walk through pre-determined route through an area. This form of walk
provides a practical overlook of different perspective to the students since it provides a firsthand
information. The learners are therefore able to gather practical information on the land use, social
and economic resource as well as the states of the environment.

Advantages of the transect or field walk

 It provides practical example; the learners are able to apply the theoretical aspect learned
in the classroom and relate it to the actual ground.
 It is a reliable procedure; this is because it involves observation thus relaying first hand
information which is reliable.
 Stimulates the learners understanding and knowledge; since it is a visible activity the
learners enjoy the nature stimulating their understanding as well as entertaining them.
Disadvantages of Transect or field walk
 It is an expensive procedure to undertake since it involves moving from place to place.
 It is often affected by climatic conditions; incase of unfavorable climatic conditions like
heavy rainfall, floods and drought it proves difficult to undertake.

v. Non-documentary resources
These are community learning resources that contain information form a substantial part of
communication especially in science and technology. User's studies have underlined importance
of such sources. These sources provide information which other sources do not. They are
categorized into two main types;
a. Formal Sources
These include research Organization both governmental as well as Non-Governmental
Organizations, Societies, Industries, Governmental department, Universities, Consultants.
b. Informal Sources
These includes sources like conversation with colleges, visitors, attendance at professional
meeting.

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 Advantages of Community Learning Resources
1. Provide the vital link between concepts taught in the classroom and appearing in
textbooks and the world of reality in which the learner lives; allowing the students to
visualize the practical world.
2. Real life experiences stimulate learners’ interest in learning.
3. Captures the learner’s interest and brings about effective learning since in captures
various areas like the entertainment.
4. Results in mastery of important skills related to students and social development e.g.,
creativity, observation as well as leadership.
5. Can positively change the learner’s attitude towards the society in which she/he lives thus
providing a holistic development to all the aspect of life that is the conceptual, affective
as well as psychomotor domain.
6. The use of community resources provides a shared memory for the class. For example,
going on a field trip is only part of the total experience. As students and teachers talk
about the trip and think about it after it is over, they are building shared understanding.
Disadvantages of the community learning resources
1. Some resources consume a lot of time. Spending time out of the class can waste time for
other lessons on the school time table. A teacher may prefer schedule trips to vacation.
2. Some are costly- costs incurred in form of entrance fee, travel expenses, food and
accommodation.
3. Most of the schools are overcrowded. It is therefore difficult for the teacher to organize
trips, he/ she, therefore, tends to drill and encourage memorization the theoretical aspect
of learning.
4. There is very little exchange of ideas and activities between primary schools and their
surrounding communities mainly due to illiteracy amongst the community members.
5. Lack of parental support; some parents may be unwilling to support the school programs
like payment of field trips fees; because of the poor living standards or increased poverty
levels.

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QUESTION TWO

Critically Review the use of Smart boards in classrooms in Kenya. (20 marks)

INTRODUCTION

At the normal circumstance, learning a new perspective or idea is normally difficult for many
students, occasionally when it is happening in a foreign language context. As a result those
students who are trying to learn new ideas need extra language support. For example, Harvard
Business Review article dictates that lack of student engagement is one of the biggest
issues educators face today. Likewise, study shows that students engagements
(specifically low student engagement) is the issue most in the way of students reaching
grade level, as 68% of teachers agreed. For this reason, various tools, including technological
resources can be utilized. There has been a growing interest in using technology in the field of
education. Second language acquisition programs are among the fields that are affected by the new
technological developments in today’s classrooms (according to Fallah, 2016).

The use of smart boards has been applied in classroom teaching all over the country. This
installation has been aided by technological improvement in the today advanced global world
which enhances the way the teachers teach and also the way the students learn. As a result, this
provides students with an enriched learning experience by projecting visual elements and at the
same time making teachers’ lives better. This allows teachers and students to learn
collaboratively, share files, access online resources and use the educational software.

The digital screen is designed to allow images from the computer to be displayed on a board.
Likewise, it is possible to be integrated or modified on the screen itself through using a pen or a
highlighting tool. Smart board’s touch screen feature allows teachers to run programs directly
from the screen through tapping the application with finger and even makes scrolling easy.

How the smart board is used

Most instructors find it difficult in integrating the smart board in the learning process;

 The Smart Board can be used in note-taking

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This feature allows the students to write important points on the board. This means that it is
possible to appoint any student type out notes on the computer at the same time the instructor is
talking allowing other students to view those notes and write them down.
 Brainstorming in the classroom can be fun with a Smart Board
Placing out ideas as well as facts to arrive at the desired conclusion can be more convenient
since the learner is in a better position to put together text/ ideas but also images, diagrams or
videos at the same time. (Jelyani et. al, 2014)
 Classroom games can be played with ease on the board
Board games in particular can be played on the board itself.
 Allows all forms of media
The use of smart boards allows the application of videos, photographs, graphs, maps,
illustrations, games, etc. – can be used on the board, making it incredibly dynamic in nature. This
expands the range of content that you can use for teaching or presenting new information.

Benefits of using smart boards in classroom teaching

a) Boasts the Students engagement

Australian researchers, (Glover & Miller 2001; Lee & Boyle 2003; Smith 2003; Greiffenhagen
as cited in Glover and Miller 2000); showed that teaching with interactive smart boards was
perceived as being more fun, more engaging as well as exciting by the students; impacting the
students’ level of enjoyment, learning speed, and depth of understanding (Jelyani et. al, 2014).
Nowadays the students are digital natives and they learn better because of the digitized world. As
the result, the use of smart boards does improve good teaching and increases clarity among the
teachers and the students in the instructional process. For example, smart boards like Samsung
interactive displays allows the creation of more dynamic lessons by writing or even typing on
the screen, calling for attention to highlighted topics or concepts as well as sharing multimedia
contents like videos, webpage’s, presentations as well as images.
Likewise, it is easier to divide the smart board in multiple sections allow more than one students
work at the same time. For example, use of split screen mode allows the teachers and the
students to relate two windows at once.

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 b) It accommodates different learning styles
The smart boards are comfortable for all categories of learners; for instance, it allows the visual
learners and auditory learners to comfortably learn and interact freely during the instructional
program. This means that visual learners can view the 4K UHD screen particularly the Samsung
Interactive Display, while the auditory learner is able to listen to multimedia content while the
hand on hand students can write on the boards with their fingers or stylus
On the other hand the educators can use the smart boards for the instructional purpose in small
groups, organized by a learning style or with the individual students. Likewise the Samsung
Interactive Displays allows screen sharing thus the students and teachers can participate in the
instructional process using smart wireless sharing from multiple devices.
c) Allows sharing, saving and sharing of lessons

When using the smart board the content therein is limitless. This means that when the students
are sick the teacher is able to screenshot their lessons and save them instantly and share with the
students. Likewise, the smart board allows them to record the entire lesson using a recording
feature.

d) It helps the students to succeed

A study by the Universal Journal of Educational Research reveals that the learner who
learned using an interactive smart board performed better in tests than the one who did
not use the technology. Likewise the study revealed that permanence in learning is entirely
increased through visual materials, painting, symbols as well as screen designs. As a result the
teachers who use the smart board in the instructional programs in classrooms are able to unlock
the students’ hidden potentials and abilities thus allowing them, to succeed in their education.

e) Smart boards are flexible

Individuals, businesses and educators often use PowerPoint presentations to share
information in slideshows. For example, teachers can apply PowerPoint in create graphics
such as banners, brochures, charts and logos for the instructional process in class. Other
uses include calendars, photo albums and collages, invitations, screen recordings,
brainstorming maps and resumes aided at emphasizing some conceptual facts as well as
contents.

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 Disadvantages of using smart boards in instructional process

Despite its vast contribution to the educational sector in Kenya the use of smart boards has been
hampered by some of the problems that have proved very difficult to hand effectively and
efficiently and some even criticized by some;

a) They are expensive

Some of the smart boards like the Samsung interactive displays are very expensive and
sometimes it is difficult to acquire them. Similarly, they are costly in maintenance once they
have malfunctions.

While Microsoft offers a free basic version of PowerPoint online, the instructor is likely to pay
for an annual subscription to use the desktop and mobile apps and gain access to all features. The
price depends on whether you need a home or office version of Microsoft Office and how many
users you have.

b) Insufficient training

The use of smart boards dully requires skilled man-power with sufficient knowledge and
skills in handling them. As a result, those teachers with insufficient skills are unable to use
these facilities in their instructional problems in classrooms; often finding them troublesome
and complicated. For instance, a teacher might find it difficult to connect the computer to the
projector or installing software. Likewise, technical issues makes difficult in projecting words
or images on the screen. As a result, teachers get frustrated with whiteboards and never utilize
their full potential.

c) Projections implications or problems

Lighting conditions have to be in good condition to enable teachers and learners use the smart
boards. As a result, those students who often experience glare from the interior lights or the
reflecting sunlight often find it difficult to concentrate in the class. On the other hand,
students might not be able to read fonts, images as well as diagrams since they are smaller

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than standard blackboard chalk writing. Similarly, damaged smart boards screens make it
difficult to effectively project and read the content.

d) Limited spacing

Often the young and short students are often limited to top [portions of the interactive smart
boards. Though teachers might find small stepladders or stools helpful they often a risk that
students might fall as they're trying to solve math problems or complete whiteboard activities
that are out of reach. The less room on the board to complete tasks limits the teacher to lower
the projection. Students in the back of the room also might have trouble seeing over the heads
of front-row students to view the whiteboard.

e) Its time consuming

The lessons often require time to design and prepare. Therefore, teachers are required to
research, evaluate, interpret, install and maneuver the software program that normally entails
using the smart boards. This condition forces the teachers to use standard textbooks, chalk boards
and handouts rather than smart boards.

f) Lack of flexibility during slideshow presentations

Once the instructor starts a slide show, it is difficult to easily make changes or annotate
any slides during the presentation. Instead, you control moving through slides or ending
the presentation. The instructor needs to ensure his or her presentation is ready to go
beforehand.
g) Smart boards are very fragile
Most of the smart boards are fragile and they need to be handled with great care. This
becomes a risk during the handling process since when they are mishandled they often
lose value and become costly to replace.

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 CONCLUSION

In a technologically focused society that is changing every day, educator’s particularly teachers
are required to keep up with the latest innovation in promoting their students success making
them capable in growing at all their subject areas. Since the most effective instructional
approaches for classrooms nowadays is the one that meeting the students needs and
requirements. Similarly, before any kind of learning is adopted and integrated in classroom,
teachers need to receive proper and effective training using professional development to be sure
that they understand how to reach and help their students to achieve academic success by using
technology available in their classroom (Doran, 2014); since the use of technology is a great tool
to use to increase student motivation, engagement and individualize instruction for students
(Doran, 2014).

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 REFERENCES

Obiagu. A. (2020) ‘Unemployment and Poverty Rise in Nigeria: Implications for Increasing
Learners’ Social-Emotional and Cognitive Development Through Inclusive Critical Storytelling
Pedagogy. 

O’Hara, S., Pritchard, R., Huang, C., & Pell, S. (2012). ‘The teaching using technology studio:
Innovative professional development to meet the needs of English learners’ ESOL Journal, 4.2,
274-294.

Martinez-Alba, G., Cruzado, J., & Pitcher, S. (2013). ‘Glosters and other motivating technology:
A multiple case study for English learners’ Reading Matrix: An International Online
Journal, 14, 253-262.

Jelyani, S. J., Janfaza, A., & Soori, A., (2014). Integration of smart board’s in classrooms.
International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 2(2), 20-23.

Doran, P. R. (2014); ‘Professional development for teachers of culturally and linguistically

diverse learners: Teachers’ experiences and perceptions’ Global Education Journal, 3. 62-80.

Efron, S. E. & Ravid R. (2013) ‘Action research in education; A practical guide’ New York,
NY: Guilford Press.

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