The module has now come to an end and I can honestly say I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 12 weeks. I picked this module as I was interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the digital world we live in today. I did not think the sessions would be so hands on and engaging where I was able to experiment with a massive range of digital resources which I can take with me into my future career. The weeks have gone by extremely quickly, however I have enjoyed every session and learned a new skill week on week.
Not only have I gained knowledge on using different apps such as Book Creator and Scratch Jr but I have also learned the importance of incorporating digital technologies into the classroom. It is the way forward for teachers and learners in today’s society. With our world developing and becoming so digitalised, it is imperative that we also allow education to evolve with this digital change (Prensky, 2001). It is almost impossible to think of job or industry which does not require some form of digital skill set (Scottish Government, 2016). As primary educators, is it essential that we equip our learners with the best possible skills and knowledge to go on and be successful in today’s society. The majority of children in primary school already have some experience of using an iPad, computer or phone before they even begin school, and so it is important that we build on these skills and teach them ways in which these technologies can actually enhance their learning.
One thing in particular I have enjoyed about this module is that it has allowed me to reflect on my own skills and practices. It has allowed me to develop my own communication, team work and creative skills as well as thinking about how my activates could help children to develop the same skills. I have been able to try out other people’s tasks and think about as a learner, how enjoyable it is and what I have learned from it. I have also been able to link Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Experiences and Outcomes into all of my lesson ideas. I think one of the best things about digital technologies is that it can be used to enhance learning in most, if not all, areas of the curriculum. There are so many amazing resources that teachers and pupils can have so much fun with.
After this module I feel I am much more knowledgeable about the resources available to me as a teacher and the different ways in which I could use them in the classroom. It has allowed me to be much more open-minded about teaching and learning nowadays and experiment with new resources. I fully intend to use my new knowledge at some time in the near future and continue to experiment with new technologies and online resources which I could bring into the classroom.
References
Prensky, M. (2001) Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. MCB University Press
Scottish Government. (2016) Enhancing Learning and Teaching Throughout The Use of Digital Technology: A Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy for Scotland. [online] Available: https://www2.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00505855.pdf[Accessed: 7 April 2019]
