BLOG 1- Introduction to Module 09/01/18

Following the start of trimester-2, today was my first experience and lesson in the Digital Technologies module. The session was, in short, an introduction to the module and highlighted the many areas, concepts and focus of the class. This was inclusive of the main idea: “What is Digital Technology?” We were all then asked to ponder over and explore our personal understanding of the statement at hand. Marc Prensky (2001) talks about ‘digital natives’ and ‘digital immigrants’. On reading this, I felt that I wasn’t particularly sure of where I fell between the two categories but understood the concept being brought to light. I am hoping this module will also help me understand my true understanding and skills in this regard.

To help me with figuring out an understanding and an appropriate, as well as an educated, explanation for the term ‘Digital Technology,’ I was made aware of several documents of reading. These documents aided me in comprehending the link between digital technology and education which further allowed me to grasp a greater meaning of the term. Given time to thoroughly read through and make notes on the readings, I believe my knowledge increased of the link.

Throughout the lecture I was made aware of how much digital technology can bring to a classroom learning experience that cannot be achieved, or at least not to the same degree, through other means. Through technology and its many windows, children can bring their daily experience and real-life knowledge to school thus encouraging and increasing interaction. It also gives them the opportunity to be creative in a way that could not happen without it (Beauchamp, 2012). Many a times, a child could be struggling to understand a certain aspect of a lesson or subject and digital technologies provides a bridge to aid their understanding.
Near the end of the session we were invited to take note of how confident we felt with digital technology and we would then compare this to how we felt at the end of the course. I hope that I will be able to grow as a digital user through the course of this module and am also very excited and anxious to uncover more knowledge.

References:

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

Prensky, M. (2001) Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. On The Horizon Vol 9(5).