The use of technological equipment like monitors, computer programs, and perhaps even handheld platforms in classroom activity and education department is known as technology integration (Chivige, 2020). The usage of interactive whiteboards, which feature projectors and computers, is one example of technology integration that may assist improve the learning environment (Zhan et al., 2021). Digital projectors are a kind of monitor system that can show an expanded picture onto a panel or even a whiteboard and are often used in lectures. Laptops are computerized systems with a display and an alphanumeric keypad that may be carried about. Laptops are suited for usage patterns since they can be flipped shut for numerous activities. This paper presents a SWOT analysis of this kind of technology integration and how it enhances the learning environment.
Class
Teachers often utilize a digital projector in combination with a pc or laptop to display the images from the laptop screen onto a fluorescent screen (Farah et al., 2018). When linked to a desktop or laptop in whole-class teaching settings, digital projectors are incredibly valuable teaching instructional instruments that offer a variety of learning possibilities. The combination of these two gadgets may be utilized in elementary school classes to teach topics such as mathematics. It is simpler for students to comprehend ideas of the topic matter handled in the activities when mathematical visual pictures and formulae are presented, which helps to direct their thinking.
SWOT Analysis for Integrating Digital Projectors with Laptops
Strengths
Interactivity is ensured by the use of laptop computers and digital projectors. Projectors make instruction more visually interesting, which may aid to boost attention span and information absorption (Turugare & Rudhumbu, 2020). When you’re actively involved in anything, it’s much simpler to focus. For example, an interactive projector screen can accommodate up to five pupils at once, making it great for enhancing engagement via group projects and presentations. Because information is mostly shown on the screen, algebra students may be able to readily engage while calculating or solving a math issue. Furthermore, since they may participate in debate, students will take participation more seriously while working together in front of the class. Another example is the incorporation of a projector and a laptop, which will enable students to submit questions that will lead to subject investigation.
Another strength presented when these technologies are integrated include the ease with which information may be presented and displayed, making it simple for students to take notes (Zhan et al., 2021). It can be difficult for students to concentrate on both listening and taking notes at the same time. Showing presentations and material on the projector allows the instructor to share notes digitally at the conclusion of the class, and students may concentrate more on listening and just jotting down topics that are directly valuable to them when they know you’ve got the larger note-taking covered. Another example is that presenting material on a large screen reduces the problem of pupils taking inaccurate or irrelevant notes and arithmetic formulae, which is especially important when addressing new or complicated subjects since it assures everyone has the same foundation to go back to. Furthermore, since the letters and graphics on a whiteboard may be expanded, material projected on it using a projector is simpler to view.
The incorporation of these technology aids in the diversification of instructional programs. Mathematics, particularly in middle school courses, may be stressful, which is why utilizing historical videos to demonstrate how math issues are addressed using computers and projectors makes it easier. Furthermore, when these videos are shown in combination with textual content, they allow pupils in the class to recollect what they have been taught (Sasota et al., 2021). Math courses may be taught through online videos and games, which provides another alternative for diversifying teachings. For example, the instructor and student will be able to annotate a movie playing on the screen while sketching on the board.
Weaknesses
Resolution is a fundamental flaw that makes it difficult for instructors to project in the classroom. The overhead projector must be at the proper distance and angle for a big school to view stuff clearly. A sSpectacular outlook is very difficult to accomplish, and being unable to read slides may be annoying to onlookers. People with vision impairments, for example, might struggle to utilize the integration of these technologies since it makes it difficult for them to view information correctly. Students may struggle to grasp the offered material due to resolution issues, as the quality may be too high for the visual senses or too low for them to view clear information. Projectors need a dark room, and it may be difficult for professors to teach in a dark room since pupils may struggle to take notes on what is being projected. For example, it may be simple to observe math information such as pictures on the board but difficult to write the information on paper.
Given that these are technologies and materials that utilize light to deliver and show information, safety may also be seen as a vulnerability. A student, for example, who has been taking notes from a projector display may develop eye difficulties since the light powering the projector generates a lot of light. Also, if the projector is overly loud while displaying material, it might cause hearing difficulties, making it difficult for pupils to grasp what is being shown. It might be difficult for both the instructor and the pupils to stand for an extended period of time while presenting a mathematical issue. This is due to the fact that prolonged postures, repeated or excessive range motions create musculoskeletal illnesses such as cervical and wrist discomfort, as well as headaches.
Opportunities
By making projectors wireless, instructors will be able to utilize them to educate even when there is a power outage. Without the need for cords or wires, a wireless projector may immediately connect to a laptop or computer and show the required information. This is an essential feature since it ensures that students are up to date on current knowledge and that they do not miss a day due to a power outage. Furthermore, connecting these devices wirelessly means that linking the projector to the computer for display will be difficult, and students will not get frustrated while waiting to obtain and take notes. The inclusion of wireless devices and gadgets that can be controlled by a teacher makes it simple for him or her to take notes for the following segment and highlight certain topics, making it easier for students to follow.
Noise is seen as an obstacle to learning in the classroom and in the learning environment, hence low-noise interactive projectors are designed. Low interactive projector noise levels are critical, particularly in smaller school spaces. Students will remain focused throughout the class if the noise level is kept low. Low noise also ensures that students are not distracted and can hear every detail of the presentation. Because the noise is distracting, kids may inadvertently write incorrect information. Furthermore, low-noise interactive projectors make it simple for students to ask questions about what they don’t understand.
Threats
In terms of preparation and delivery, interactive projects take more time than other instructional strategies. Because instructors must investigate, analyze, understand, setup, and navigate the software packages that enable the equipment to be utilized, developing and planning classes through the use of these technologies takes a long time. When teachers and students spend a lot of time looking at material on a screen, they might get weary. Also, since there will be a lot of time spent presenting material, some students may forget to take notes or leave the class.
The usage of interactive projectors requires training, therefore a lack of or insufficient training might cause issues (Chivige, 2020). For example, connecting a projector and a laptop may be difficult since it is complex or cumbersome. In addition, lack of training may cause instructors to feel dissatisfied in their ability to utilize these gadgets to their full capacity, lowering their self-esteem, particularly if these technical issues occur during a class session. Another example is if a teacher looks to be having difficulties using an interactive display, student attitude, classroom mood, and respect for the instructor may all decrease, and the learning experience may deteriorate as a result.
Timeline for the project
To determine the effectiveness of this technology integration, this project will be initiated in one of the elementary schools. The project will take a period of seven months to determine how effective the integration of teaching mathematics using the integration of a laptop and a digital projector.
Summary
Technology integration is effective for classroom teaching and learning and this is evident in the strengths showed by integrating projectors and laptops. This includes interactivity, the easiness in presenting and displaying information making it easy for students to make notes, and also the easiness of diversifying lesson plans. Opportunities for this type of integration include introducing wireless gadgets that makes it easy to use the projectors and making low-level noise devices that will ensure the learning environment is friendly. The main weaknesses of using this kind of integration comprise of resolution and safety issues while the threats include training and time concerns.
Recommendations
When an interactive device is first brought into a classroom, students usually require some time to adjust. As a result, the learning activities must be correctly contextualized; otherwise, learners might spend longer time writing and analyzing instead of learning. To guarantee that resolution issues are addressed, schools should acquire and test a variety of resolutions to determine which is the best fit for the classroom. Additionally, instructors should utilize appropriate pointing devices while instructing to prevent health concerns such as back injuries or even entering the projector’s beam, which may create distraction.
References
Chivige, P. (2020). The use and perception of multimedia projector for teaching and learning in higher education (Doctoral dissertation, Botho University). https://repository.bothouniversity.ac.bw/buir/handle/123456789/62
Farah, R. N., Tarmizee, M., Abd Rahman, K., & Zuraida, R. L. (2018). Orthogonal Projector Kit (OPK) as a new teaching aids with innovation ICT in Teaching and Learning 21st Century. Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, 10(3S), 338-344. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jfas/article/view/171530
Sasota, R. S., Cristobal, R. R., Sario, I. S., Biyo, J. T., & Magadia, J. C. (2021). Will–skill–tool (WST) model of technology integration in teaching science and mathematics in the Philippines. Journal of Computers in Education, 8(3), 443-464. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40692-021-00185-w
Turugare, M., & Rudhumbu, N. (2020). Integrating technology in teaching and learning in universities in Lesotho: opportunities and challenges. Education and Information Technologies, 25(5), 3593-3612. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-019-10093-3
Zhan, Z., Wu, Q., Lin, Z., & Cai, J. (2021). Smart classroom environments affect teacher-student interaction: Evidence from a behavioural sequence analysis. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 37(2), 96-109. https://ajet.org.au/index.php/AJET/article/view/6523
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