As today was our first class in the Digital Technologies module, we seemed to cover a lot of information! After an introduction to the module and exploring the module handbook, we discussed with each other what we thought digital technology was. My own thoughts on digital technology were that any interactive device could be described as digital technology. In actual fact, the term digital technology is used to describe digital applications, services and resources which are used to:

• find
• analyse
• create
• communicate and
• use information in a digital context.

We then had the chance to read the document Enhancing Learning and Teaching through the use of Digital Technology – A Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy for Scotland (Education Scotland, 2016). Through reading this document I discovered that the aims of this strategy were to:

• Develop the skills of educators in the appropriate and effective use of digital technology to support learning and teaching
• Improve access to digital technology for all learners
• Ensure that digital technology is a central consideration is all areas of curriculum and assessment delivery
• Empower leaders of change to drive innovation and investment in digital technology for learning and teaching.

This strategy is primarily to benefit learners aged 3-18 by offering the opportunity for learners to improve and develop the digital skills that will be vital for life, learning and work in today’s increasingly digitised world. The benefits of this strategy will also extend to educators allowing them to become skilled in the appropriate and effective use of digital technology. Parents and carers will benefit by being able to communicate with schools and teachers more readily and being able to support their child’s learning. The digital industry and wider community will also benefit as the future workforce will possess the skills now deemed essential in occupations over a wide range of sectors.

Today we self assessed our own capabilities with a range of digital technologies. As a mature student who did not encounter digital technologies during my own education, I feel I have development needs in almost every category. Through my working life I have encountered some technologies for example Microsoft word but I am not a confident user as I have never learned how to properly use these applications. Also as a parent I have experienced the use of I-Pads and Nintendo games consoles through my children but again my experiences have been quite limited and I look forward to furthering my knowledge and understanding in all aspects of digital technology. As a student teacher I realise how important it will be to my future career to become competent in this area for my own benefit and also that of the pupils.

Having discussed and explored Glow today, I was surprised at the amount of resources available on this site. Also as a parent of primary school aged children I am aware of how much the pupils and teachers in some schools use Glow as a way of communication. I endeavour to familiarise myself with Glow and select applications that would be useful to me.

After the session today I am excited to learn how to fully interact with different aspects of digital technology and how I will be able to utilise this is my professional career.

 

Reference

• Scottish Government (2016) A Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy for Scotland. Edinburgh: Scottish Government

[Online] Available at: http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00505855.pdf

[Accessed: 09 January 2018]