Question: Do you see the increased use of technology by
children as a positive step forward? Is this an inevitable outcome in our
increasing digital society or is it something to be resisted, especially within
the classroom. What are the limitations you will face during this module as a
teacher?
The use of technology in the classroom can be seen as a
positive step forward. It may equip children with life skills in a world where being
digitally literate is very important and inevitable. This is because children
are exposed to different forms of technology in day to day life, be it phones,
TVs, radios and computers (to name a few). Technology can help children who are
different types of learners. Some children have difficulty with reading and
writing so need other ways of learning; in particular, children with fine motor
skills who struggle with writing can use laptops and/or touch type so there is
no barrier of their learning. The use of technology can also support children in
a number of different subjects and not just in English and ICT. It has a place
in most subjects, especially science and maths and this is highlighted in the
National Curriculum (DfEe, 2013), for example, the use of data base. In my
experience in a classroom setting, the use of ipads was strongly encouraged and
provided children with many different educational games and activities, which
the class loved to play and learn from: therefore giving them independence in
their own learning even during their ‘free’ or playtime or when the teacher was
not around. However, does this mean there is no place for books and pens and
paper anymore? This is something I would like to explore further with research.
I think it is also important to note that safety cautions need to be explored
in order for children to use technology safely and respectfully. My challenges
as a future teacher and on this module is becoming aware of how and when to use
different forms of technology in the classroom so children can benefit and become
aware of the positives and limitations it can have on my teaching.
Department for Education and Employment (2013) ‘The National
Curriculum for England: computing
programmes of study key stages 1-4’, Qualification and Curriculum
Authority: London
You have made some valid points especially concerning safe and respectful use of technology. The ne w national curriculum for computing(Sept 2014 ) now has a strand for both key stage 1 and 2 concerning e-safety and using technology is a responsible and respectful way
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology can be a great tool in removing barriers to children's learning. I like the point you made on whether or not there is still a place for pens, paper and books; this is something I often question. On SE3 I noticed that text books now very rarely come off the shelf compared to the past when they were used throughout most lessons, so perhaps this is a step in that direction. But pens and paper do still play a prominent role within lessons today; perhaps this will be something which will change in the 'digital' years ahead. It would be great to find some key writers opinions on this!
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