Communication media encompasses diverse technologies and methods used to transmit information, messages, or data from one party to another. In the initial stages of primary education, communication primarily relied on conventional methods, including written letters, notices, and face-to-face meetings.
Benefits of Communication Media in Schools
Using communication media in Nigerian schools provides various benefits that enhance educational experiences, support student learning, and foster effective communication between teachers, parents, and students. These benefits and challenges are particularly relevant in education and communication in a developing country like Nigeria.
- Communication media, including interactive educational software and digital learning platforms, engage students with multimedia content, making learning more interactive and enjoyable.
- Technology can provide access to a vast array of educational resources, including digital textbooks, online libraries, and open educational resources (OERs), which can enhance the quality of education.
- Communication media, such as email and school websites, facilitate real-time communication between parents and teachers, enabling timely updates on student progress and school activities. Research has shown that when parents are informed and engaged through communication media, their involvement in their child’s education increases, leading to improved student outcomes.
- Communication media, such as school newsletters and mobile apps, keep parents informed about school events, extracurricular activities, and parent-teacher association meetings.
- Effective communication media strengthen home-school partnerships, contributing to a positive school climate, increasing parent trust, and improving student outcomes.
- Technology can provide opportunities for students with disabilities through assistive technologies. Digital learning materials can reduce the costs of textbooks and other educational resources.
- Technology allows for interactive and multimedia learning, making learning more engaging and effective.
Read: Advantages of social media to students
Challenges of Communication Media in Schools
While communication media in primary schools offer numerous benefits, they also come with specific challenges and drawbacks that must be addressed. It has been noted that the initiation and development of Information Technology services in Nigeria face impediments stemming from specific human and material factors.
- Not all students have equal access to devices and the internet at home, which can lead to unequal educational opportunities.
- The lack of internet connectivity and electricity in some areas of Nigeria can limit access to these resources.
- Privacy and security concerns. Safeguarding students’ privacy and data security is a significant challenge when using communication media. Data breaches and the misuse of personal information can occur, potentially jeopardizing student safety and confidentiality.
- A lack of infrastructure and accessibility measures may limit the benefits for disabled students.
- The initial cost of establishing infrastructure and providing training can be a barrier. Teachers may need more training and professional development to effectively integrate communication media into their teaching practices, limiting the full potential of technology in the classroom
