Being an ICT
specialist I agree that the increased use of technology within the classroom is
a positive step forward but by saying that it is inevitable casts it in a
negative light therefore implying that it should be resisted. Modern society has advanced in
such a way that technology is an essential part of everyday life and to ignore
this within the classroom would be a disservice to the children we are going to
be teaching. However that is not to say that traditional teaching methods
should be overtaken by new styles but instead that they should be integrated
with new methods. This blog is itself an example of how technology can aid
teaching and learning by allowing us to share our thoughts and ideas with others
while completing an assignment.
Traditionally this
project may have been undertaken by asking us to write a short piece to read to
our group, then receiving feedback and fielding questions. While there is
nothing wrong with the traditional method it can be very short lived. Comments can
be restricted to the moment rather than allowing people to take time to understand
the viewpoint of another and respond appropriately. Another advantage of using technology
in this way is that there is a permanent record of what the author has written and of
the responses of others that can be accessed at any time.
Children are exposed
to all kinds of technology outside of school so why shouldn’t they use it while
at school. There are many examples of technology being used successfully within
schools to advance learning and include, but are not limited to: additional
needs programs; communication between schools in this country and others via
emails, blogs and video conferencing; stimulus for literature and other topics.
As mentioned, the above are just a small example of how technology can be
successfully integrated into the classroom and as technology advances many more
possibilities will become available.
I believe that the possible challenges I will face with this
module will come from the English side as I find it quite difficult to engage
with. While this may be a problem I see it as an obstacle to overcome and look
forward to advancing my knowledge in this area.
Hi Drucifer, thank you for your thoughtful entry. It is interesting that the English specialists are challenged by the IT content and the ICT specialists are challenged by the English content. This is why we decided to run this module jointly; to place the use of digital technology within a curriculum context, hopefully enhancing understanding and confidence for all students. Either privately by email/within the session, or within this blog, please could you reveal your identity so that the assignment mark is awarded to the correct person!
ReplyDeleteI found this entry very interesting to read as you really brought to light the relevance of this assignment in terms of the module, and how it in itself is an example of the change in technology that can be incorporated into education. I myself feel like I am learning something while writing this assignment as as an English specialist I would argue that my experience with writing up till now has been generally 'traditional', and so I too are looking forward to developing and extending my knowledge; but in the ICT domain.
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