The potential of ICT’s to transform and enhance learning is unlimited. However, through my own exploration and analysis of the tools I came across a few issues that I wanted briefly reflect on. I hoped that in doing so it might help me understand and empathise with my own students when it comes time to interacting with ICT’s.
Firstly I also thought it was important to reflect that we should not overestimate the 21st century literacy of our students. While our students might use Facebook, the Internet, twitter and text they may not necessarily be 21st century literate. Marcus (2005) writes " They are 'out there', living passionately in the popular culture, saturated with pictures, music and chat....delivered by digital media. But are they literate with them? Do they have the thinking skills to be both analytical and creative with these symbol systems?"
Firstly I also thought it was important to reflect that we should not overestimate the 21st century literacy of our students. While our students might use Facebook, the Internet, twitter and text they may not necessarily be 21st century literate. Marcus (2005) writes " They are 'out there', living passionately in the popular culture, saturated with pictures, music and chat....delivered by digital media. But are they literate with them? Do they have the thinking skills to be both analytical and creative with these symbol systems?"
Secondly I found that learning to use the various tools can be really time consuming. An example of this is the huge problems that I experienced with formatting most of which still exist on my blogs to date. Once mastered the tools ability to enhance and transform learning is evident, but as the teacher, try not to lose sight of the fact that initially it can be frustrating, tricky and protracted. Remember that our students may not be as digitally literate as we have assumed.
Thirdly, the ability for technology to fail you at crucial times is another issue. Any Learning Experience Plan involving digital tools should also be covered by a backup plan. Internet access may suddenly be blocked, the website won’t open on Educations Queensland’s computers because of a firewall, or your IWB may be out of service. Plan ahead so you don’t lose valuable time.
Lastly remember that no matter how good a particular technology might be students are still at risk of becoming bored and unenthused if one digital tool is used too often. Balance should be the key and as a teacher we should always be thinking about the different learning styles of our students and ensure that a range of intelligences and learning preferences are catered for.
References
Fasso, W (2011) Week 3 Digital Tools. Retrieved from CQUniversity Course Resources Online EDED 20491 http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=163846
Marcus. S. (2005) The new literacies: What is basic education now? Retrieved from CQ University Course Resources
Online EDED 20491 http://archive.nmc.org/summit/New_Literacies.pdf
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