Hiya! My name is Niamh Derbyshire. Welcome to my blog. Over the course of the next few months; I will be engaging you in my digital technologies journey.

While deciding on my selective module for BA 1, it came to my attention that digital technologies was an option. I chose digital technologies as my selective module due to my lack of knowledge as a student teacher about what technology truly involves within a classroom environment. According to Prensky I would be identified as a ‘Native speaker’ as I have grown up in a capacity with video games/ computers/ smart phones (Prensky 2001)  However, I know the basics of technology but if you threw me in the deep end and asked me to teach a lesson on QR codes, I would stare back with a blank expression. “it does underline the need for teachers to be aware of the full range of ICTS capabilities from which they can select the most appropriate uses. “(Beauchamp, G.) I am eager to develop my awareness of technology and experiment with resources I have not previously explored. By doing so, this permits me to fulfil my teaching needs and enhance childrens learning in the classroom through my own personal experience within digital technologies. I will hopefully by the end of this module feel competent in teaching areas I previously had no experience with.

Fortunately, I was privileged to go to a primary school with access to a multitude of digital tools. However, I was not always digitally academic. Therefore, I decided this module was an appropriate choice for me as I wanted to familiarise myself with the most recent initiatives implemented in schools as it is crucial to have an awareness of this as a student teacher. Technology is incorporated into lessons on a daily basis in primary schools. Children of today’s generation were born into a technology-based environment. It is now an integral part of their daily lives. During our first lesson, we spoke about The Scottish government introduced a strategy for educators/ parents to take advantage of technology opportunities etc and know how to utilize these effectively. This is formally known as ‘digital learning and teaching strategy’ (Scottish Government 2016) There was four main objectives introduced:

• Assist teachers to enhance their skills and build their confidence.
• Adjusting the system to ensure all pupils have easy access to digital technologies
• Within the Curriculum for Excellence utilise technologies to assist cross curricular subjects.
• Delegate educators to enhance digital technology for upcoming students.

This strategy was put in place to increase attainment in schools and attempt to close the attainment gap. Furthermore, provide support for a child who may not have access to the internet at home will get the chance to experiment with various forms in school. This might enhance a childs learning as they will be more engaged and feel equal to everyone in the class which is crucial for their development. We need to ensure every child is included in lessons and we are equipped for all levels of learning.

Overall, I will complete four assessment tasks over the next 12 weeks. For instance: programmable toys, coding, Imovie and Ebooks. I thoroughly enjoy being creative within my own learning and having the freedom to design my own tasks. I am eager to expand my level of knowledge from what this module has to offer and portray this in the classroom. We are future teachers and it is vital we have a deep understanding about the extents of digital technologies. In addition, I am keen to reflect back on my blogs every week and notice myself improve over time. I am very excited to get started with this module and improve my digital skills.

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

Prensky, M. (2001)  Digital natives, digital immigrants [online] available : http://moodle1819.uws.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/39816/mod_resource/content/1/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives%2C%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf