Final Reflection

This is my last digital technologies blog post, I cannot believe how fast this module has went by! I definitely have so much more knowledge on digital technologies and how I can use them in the classroom, but I have also learned a lot about the Curriculum for Excellence in general. In my very first blog post I said how I wanted to increase my understanding of technologies and be able to use them effectively in the classroom and I do feel as though I’ve achieved this. This module has not only allowed me to familiarise and learn about apps, software’s, games and different technologies but I have been able to plan lessons and connect everything I’ve learned to the Curriculum for Excellence. I have learned how I can effectively use games like Minecraft in the classroom. I have also learned how I can make eBooks more interactive through using Book Creator and I have learned the effectiveness of getting children to create movies, animations and coding activities as these are able to engage them and enhance their learning.

I feel a lot more confident using software like ActiveInspire to present lessons and I feel as though I am able to include digital technologies in multiple lesson plans. Prior to doing this module I had a very traditional way of looking at teaching, but this module has proved to me that digital technologies can be used to enhance lessons, make them more fun and engaging. Before taking this module, I didn’t realise how ICT should be incorporated throughout the curriculum and shouldn’t just be treated as a separate subject of ‘ICT’. ICT is something that contributes to all areas of learning and isn’t considered to be a separate experience (Beauchamp, 2012). Through doing extensive reading for this module I learned how this generation of children process information completely differently as they are digitally native, they like to have instant information and enjoy digital learning as it comes naturally to them (Prensky 2001).

I now understand the importance of teachers having significant knowledge of different digital technologies, so they are able to confidently teach and use digital technologies in the classroom. I feel a lot more confident in using digital technologies after doing this module. I also understand how technology changes all the time and I will constantly have to build my ICT skills even when I have my own class as it is important teachers are able to keep up with the generation their teaching.

I am really glad I decided to do this module as it has allowed me to build on my own ICT skills and I now fully understand the importance of digital technologies in the classroom. My knowledge of apps, websites and different software’s has increased so much since the start of this module and I can’t wait to continue to develop my knowledge of digital teaching resources in my own time. This module will help me as a teacher as I have developed many new skills and been made aware of many resources that I will be able to use while I’m out teaching. As a teacher I will now definitely always try and incorporate ICT and the use of digital technologies into my everyday lessons as I now understand just how important it is in children’s learning.

REFERENCES

Beauchamp, G. (2012) ICT in the Primary Classroom: From Pedagogy top Practice. Pearson.

Marc Prensky (2001) Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. [pdf] Available:  https://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf [Accessed 26 March 2019].

Images from Pixaby