Learning about respiration and risks of smoking tobacco with the use of ICT in greek primary school

Abstract

The paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation results of an innovative teaching and learning procedure with ICT use in Greek primary education. The subject refers to respiration and the risks of systematic smoking of tobacco affecting humans' health. In order to organize this innovative teaching, modern views about teaching and learning with ICT use were taken into consideration. The aim was to create a constructivist and collaborative learning environment that would motivate and involve students in collaboratively working on the computer with appropriate educational software and websites. Suitable print learning material was developed for the students to help them explore the digital resources and discuss and negotiate meaning within their groups and the whole class. Before and after teaching, the students answered a written questionnaire, which comprised closed and open-ended questions and drawing tasks. The evaluation results showed that the use of ICT within this learning environment has substantially improved learning with understanding about respiration and the risks of tobacco systematic smoking. An important outcome was that the majority of students could relate this study with their daily life experiences, situations and problems. This fact seemed to help them reflect on healthy life habits, and also to positively affect their parents' attitudes about tobacco smoking. © Common Ground, Konstantina Chatzimihou, Christina Solomonidou.