Tuesday 8th January
For this term, I was given the chance to pick which module I would like to study and for this I chose Digital Technologies. I decided to go with this module as nowadays, the different types of technologies available for use is constantly developing. As an aspiring teacher, I want to be fully aware of the resources available to me and my class that will enhance my teaching and their learning. Therefore I feel that this module will provide me with the knowledge and skill set I require.
From my own personal experience of using different digital technologies, I consider myself to be digital native. I have grown up alongside the developing technologies and so I feel comfortable with using Microsoft packages, iPads and other online resources and would like to think I am able to work with them very well.
It is hoped that with the help of digital technologies being used within the classroom to assist learning, this will count towards raising attainment for all children and young people (Beauchamp, 2012). The Scottish Government (2016) talks about how in today’s world, it is important that for children and young people to fully take part in society, that they have a basic skill set in terms of using these technologies. Using and working with this equipment overall improves the learning and teaching across every area of the curriculum.
In classrooms all over the world, it is no longer simple to think of children sitting down and learning from a textbook. As much as this kind of learning is still effective in some ways, the use of more modern methods, such as the use of iPads, is a much more interactive and engaging way for children to learn. The interactive whiteboard, for example, allows children to engage with work as groups or individually, and the use of colour and sound makes the learning more enjoyable and engaging. Also, the use of laptops for tasks in subjects like maths allows children to play educational games where answers can be checked within seconds. However, as much as there is a list of benefits, there also comes some negative aspects which teachers have to be aware of. It is important that we do not immerse children with the use of technology in the classroom and remember what the main teaching points of the lesson are, and that these still come across.
To summarise, I believe it is vitally important for teachers and pupils to engage with this incredible resource and make full use of the amazing things it allows us to use it for. However, making sure we do not use it at the expense of learning. I look forward to beginning this module and learning a range of new skills.
References
Beauchamp, G. (2012) ICT in the Primary School: From Pedagogy to Practice. Pearson.
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: 14 January 2019]
