Tuesday 8th January
My name is Lauryn and as part of BA1 Education I have chosen the module ‘Digital Technologies’. I choose this module because technology is up and coming in the world of education. I normally do not take much interest in technology, however I felt I would benefit from this module. I want to learn more about how technology is weaved into teaching and the different approaches that can be taken using technology. Overall, I want to expand my knowledge of digital technology used in the classroom.
While on my first placement I realised the impact digital technology has on pupils. I witnessed the use of technology almost every day and how children benefitted from it. Now a day’s children are “Digital Natives” (Prensky, 2001). This means that children have grew up with technology in their lives. Teaching has changed to suit this. Children will be more likely to engage in learning if it is something they understand and enjoy. Education Scotland mentioned how they would like technology to be at the heart of learning (Scottish Government, 2015). By making technology more apparent in the classroom, attainment will be raised, and the attainment gap will be smaller. It allows children that do not have technology at home to use it at school, giving all pupils an equal chance.
I believe that it is very important to learn about digital technology. Throughout this module I will get to use different digital toys, such as beebots, experience outdoor learning and game-based teaching to enhance learning. I am looking forward to the next 12 weeks of Digital technologies.
References
Prensky, M. (2001) Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. MCB University Press.
Scottish Government (2015) Literature review on the impact of digital technology on learning and teaching. [Online] Available: http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/24843/2/00489303.pdf [Accessed 19 February 2019]
