USING MASS MEDIA IN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION: THE CASE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Nowadays, mass media are viewed as a valuable educational mental and cognitive tool, which can transform the work of educators and lead to beneficial learning outcomes. The integration of mass media in the educational process functions as a source of great interest and pleasure for students, since it facilitates their cooperation and communication. Furthermore, mass media constitute a tool for environmental communication, as a basic channel which provides information on environmental issues, contributes to the dissemination of environmental knowledge and raises environmental awareness among the public. In the case of early childhood, it is deemed particularly essential in shaping environmental awareness, by providing knowledge regarding fundamental environmental problems and mainly by making students aware of their actions and their impact on the environment. The requirements of modern society necessitate that plans are put in place for the inclusion of mass media in the educational process, from the level of early childhood education. The introduction of computers and the Internet in kindergartens has radically changed the role of educators, as well as the way in which students interact and environmental problems are presented.