“If used effectively and appropriately, digital technology can enhance learning and teaching, equip our children and young people with vital digital skills and crucially, it can lead to improved educational outcomes.”(Gov.scot, 2016)
Before my first session of digital technologies, I understood the importance of digital technologies and the impact it has on everyday life as I have grown up and developed whilst living in a society where digital technology is such a prominent feature and aspect in everyday life. As a result of this, traditional teaching methods of using equipment such as a blackboard and chalk are being eradicated with a push towards and replaced by digital technology as a teaching method. Therefore, as a developing student teacher I thought this course would be beneficial as it would allow me to have a greater understanding of digital technology and the use of it in the classroom and teaching environment. It also will give me the tools and background knowledge to help and advise the children of staying safe whilst using it. The importance of having a well-rounded understanding of digital technology is conveyed further through the UK government’s policy paper 2019 of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ which is about ensuring that;
“every person has a fair opportunity in life no matter who or where they are”. (GOV.UK, 2019)
Therefore, it is important that the information given and the delivery of it is that of a high standard to make the most impact as for some children, the school environment may be the only place they get access to digital technology.
Digital technology allows us to be accountable for our own learning as it supplies the resources to further delve, analyse and access masses of information at the press of a button. This therefore would have positive impacts on a child’s learning as they may feel more engaged and retain the knowledge and information learnt due to them playing an active role and partly accountable for their own learning. This is backed up by, (Arora, 2017), a survey completed in 2017 which conveyed that 57% of middle-schoolers have said that classes through the use of digital technology as a teaching method, it has allowed them more control over their learning. Consequently, digital technology allows and advocates creativity and a sense of achievement and success in learning that encourages continued development. Also, by digital technology being implemented and introduced properly at an early stage, there is a higher chance that they will become more confident and adaptable when using the skills learnt in later years of life with nearly all jobs incorporating some use of digital technology into it, this therefore allows the child to have that advantage.
When I found out that the digital technology required a blog to be made and kept up-to-date, I was sceptical and worried about it as it has never been something I have done before, and I do struggle when writing pieces of work without a template or without knowing exactly what to include in it. Thus, being an area of the course, I am concerned about. However, I know the blog will allow me to keep track of my progress and areas of development. This will therefore also give me motivation to continuously ensure I am developing my knowledge and understanding of digital technologies as I will be seeing my development as time goes on.
I am looking forward to further developing my knowledge of digital technology and seeing the positive impact it has on my role as a developing student teacher.
References
- Arora, V. (2017). Why Digital Learning Is So Important For Teachers And Students. [online] Tech.co. Available at: https://tech.co/news/digital-learning-teachers-students-2017-04 [Accessed 14 Jan. 2019].
- Gov.scot. (2016). Enhancing Learning And Teaching Through The Use Of Digital Technology: A digital Learning And Teaching Strateg For Scotland.. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/publication/2016/09/enhancing-learning-teaching-through-use-digital-technology/documents/00505855-pdf/00505855-pdf/govscot:document/?inline=true/ [Accessed 14 Jan. 2019].
- GOV.UK. (2019). Leaving no one behind: Our promise. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/leaving-no-one-behind-our-promise/leaving-no-one-behind-our-promise [Accessed 13 Mar. 2019].
- Hayden, K. (n.d.). The Importance of Technology in Schools for the Digital Age. [online] Bright Hub Education. Available at: https://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-methods-tips/105201-importance-of-technology-in-schools/ [Accessed 4 Apr. 2019].
