Why should teachers care about digital literacy and childhood in the digital age week 6

 

Technology is relied upon in most jobs in some form and within the home. Children are exposed to it a lot of the time. Hudson (2013) suggest that because children have grown up with it they are now ‘digital natives’ a phrase that Palfrey and Gasser (2008) also use, stressing upon the fact that, for children now, this is the norm. Hudson (2013) also then goes on to explain that children spend a lot of time games and that this should also be used as a tool in the new and up to date primary classroom. This could be supported by Marsh and Millard (2006) who, as mentioned in a previous blog post, support the idea of using popular culture in the classroom.

 

Within a secondary school setting children are expected to know how to use certain technologies including the interactive white board. Most primary schools have at least one but often one in every classroom. Using an IWB opens many opportunities for interactivity within the classroom. It creates a situation where children can collaboratively work together to find information and explore answers instead of having to do this separately or in pairs on one computer. They can touch the board, move shapes and objects around and click parts to see what happens. Potter and Darbyshire (2005, p.85) state that interactivity is ‘the function of ICT that enables rapid and dynamic feedback’. These characteristics allow teachers to create problems on the board and the children to get instant feedback. This board are often used in businesses therefore it is very important for children to at least learn the basics to support them in the future.

 

From this assignment and module I fully believe that it is extremely important for teachers to have a good foundation of knowledge to be able to teach ICT and use digital media in the classroom. Teachers should care about digital literacy in this digital age because it is important for children’s futures. As I have discussed, children will be using it both at secondary school and in further life on a regular basis and it is vital that children get taught how to use it properly to give them the best chance in the future.

 

 

Hudson, A. (2013) Angry Birds game fires into the classroom (BBC News Technology)

 

Palfrey, J. and Gasser, U. (2008) Born Digital: understanding the first generation of digital natives. Basics Books. New York

 

Potter, F., Darbyshire, C., (2005) ‘Understanding and Teaching the ICT National Curriculum’ London: David Fulton Publishers

 

Millard, E. & Marsh (2001) ‘Sending Minnie the Minx Home: Comics and Reading Choices’ in Cambridge Journal of Education; Vol 31 (1); pp. 25-38. [pdf]