THE IMPACT OF ICT INTEGRATION AND TEACHING METHODS ON KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS VS. SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Keywords:
ICT integration, teaching methods, knowledge acquisition, primary educationAbstract
Тhe integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education is a transformative process that continuously reshapes teaching methods and learning experiences. The importance of ICT in modern education is undeniable, providing new opportunities for interaction, knowledge acquisition, and skill development. Various teaching approaches incorporate ICT, enhancing student engagement and facilitating a deeper understanding of subject matter. However, the effectiveness of ICT depends on factors such as accessibility, teacher readiness, and the suitability of technological tools for specific subjects. This study examines the impact of ICT-enhanced teaching on third-grade students in two distinct subject areas: natural sciences and mathematics versus social and humanities subjects. Different pedagogical approaches are required for these fields, as the use of ICT varies depending on subject specificity. In natural sciences and mathematics, ICT facilitates visualization, experimentation, and problem-solving, making abstract concepts more comprehensible. Conversely, in social and humanities subjects, ICT fosters creativity, discussion, and critical thinking, encouraging students to engage in interactive and collaborative learning experiences. Teachers' perceptions and the challenges they encounter in implementing ICT are also analyzed. While ICT has proven beneficial, its effectiveness depends on proper implementation, accessibility, and teacher training. A structured approach to ICT integration enhances learning efficiency, but obstacles such as digital literacy, resource availability, and pedagogical adaptation must be addressed. Additionally, the study highlights the role of student motivation and adaptability in technology-driven learning environments. The level of interactivity and engagement is closely linked to the effectiveness of ICT-based instruction, making it crucial to develop subject-specific strategies tailored to student needs. The findings suggest that the impact of ICT on knowledge acquisition varies depending on the subject and the teaching methods used. While some disciplines benefit from increased visualization and interactivity, others emphasize critical thinking and creative application. This study contributes to a better understanding of how ICT affects learning processes in different academic fields, emphasizing the need for further exploration of its role in elementary education.
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