It can be argued that the increased use
of technology within the classroom has many benefits for children to enhance
their learning experiences. The use of the internet and other technologies offers
a range of opportunities for fun learning and development for children (Byron
Review, 2008). Children’s reading preferences now differ from that of the past
due to the rapid technological advances which have changed the way in which
children expect to read (Bearne, 2003; Cremin, 2007). ICT programmes enable
children to read books online which can be accessed both at school and at home.
This is something I have personally experienced whilst working in a school, as
the children enthusiastically used programmes such as ‘Bug Club’ which
motivated them to read.
In our increasingly digital society, it
is an inevitable outcome that children are rapidly using modern technologies
within the classroom as they are constantly surrounded by them both inside and
outside of the school. Therefore it is developing their knowledge of the use of
these technologies that is important in order to incorporate these technologies
to further enhance their learning.I have observed schools use a vast range
of digital media to promote a more enthusiastic approach to teaching and
learning in the classroom. Children could independently use computers, laptops
and other technologies to support them in their learning demonstrating their
confidence in using this kind of technology.
However, whilst many of my experiences
were positive, digital media can also present some disadvantages. A major
concern is that children can often come across inappropriate material particularly
on the internet whether this is intentional or unintentional (Byron Review,
2008). The internet allows for global
exploration and although children may seem confident in using new technologies,
they are still developing their knowledge about them. This is an aspect I would
perceive as a possible challenge as it is very easy for children to access the
internet therefore precautions would need to be put in place for children to
use the internet safely.
References
Bearne, E. (2003) ‘Rethinking literacy:
communication, representation and text’ Reading Literacy and Language.
37 (3) pp. 98-103
Byron Review (2008) Safer Children in a Digital World. DCSF Publications.
Cremin (2007) ‘Revisiting reading for
pleasure: diversity, delight and desire’ in Goouch, K. and Lambirth, A. (2007) Understanding
Phonics and the Teaching of Reading: Critical Perspectives. Open University
Press.
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