Hi, my name is Matthew and I am a first-year student at the University of the West of Scotland. I have chosen to partake in a new module called Digital Technologies. Throughout this module we will look at variety of different technologies that can be used in the classroom. Using this Blog, I will evaluate how well the technology could be used in the classroom setting.
Since I was a young child technology has been a very important part of my upbringing. Whether it was playing the latest games console or watching the TV, technology was always used in one way or another. This is why I chose to do Digital Technology, as I feel that I am a Digital Native. Digital Natives are the generation of children that grow up with this technology around them and can use these different technologies from a young age (Prensky, 2001). IN my spare time I take charge of the admin for a family company. This means that I have to be proficient at using different technology. While doing this, many problems have arisen, and I have had to improvise and work out solutions to fix the problem. In doing this I am confident that I could quickly learn to be efficient at using any type of technology.
These skills that I have gained will be very useful in my teaching career, as Education Scotland want to place digital technology at the heart of the classroom. This is shown in the policy created by Education Scotland called The National Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy (2016). This policy was created to ensure teachers have the correct knowledge to give pupils the best support on Digital Technology. The main aims of this policy are: Develop the skills of teachers, improve access, enhance curriculum and assessment delivery and empower leaders of change. (Education Scotland,2016)
This clearly shows that technology is going to be an integral part if the teaching profession and I personally look forward to implementing it in my lessons.
In this module I will not only be reflecting on technology but on my personal strengths and weaknesses within each technology. This means that I will be able to see where I can improve, allowing me to improve and develop my skills.
Matthew
References used:
https://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf[Accessed 17thJanuary 2019]
Scottish Government. (2016) Enhancing Learning And Teaching Through The Use of Digital Technology: A Digital Learning And Teaching Strategy For Scotland.
