Bringing media to classroom: integrating digital media into student-centered learning environments—a case study in one elementary school in China

Abstract

This study is a case study of one elementary school in China. The purpose of this research is to understand teachers’ conceptions and practice of integrating digital media and the relationship between Media Literacy 3Cs model and Student-Centered Learning Environments (SCLEs). The main research methods are classroom observation and semi-structured interviews. Through examining three lower elementary teachers’ conceptions, practice of using media in the classroom and reflections generated after class, the study applied Media Literacy theory and Student-Centered Learning Environments framework to create theoretical coding. Content analysis is used to analyze all the transcribed data including field notes and interview transcriptions. The findings showed that teachers hold positive attitudes toward media integrations and they used digital media in classrooms in different ways. It also proved that Media Literacy 3Cs model has a positive impact on the building of student-centered learning environments. The outcome of the research could be helpful for researchers to understand teachers’ conceptions of media use and their practices of integrating digital media in the classroom and the relationship between media use and Student-Centered Learning Environment.