1. What is digital literacy and why is it important?
Digital literacy is being able to have a basic understanding of computers and how they work. You also need to know what is expected of you online, whether that is being respectful and having an online identity that is appropriate, learning navigation, participate in creation, evaluate sources, and understand what can be done with technology. Digital literacy is important because we are living in the world of technology, and we need to be aware of how to participate in that community. It's also important because technology can be used to do so many other things outside the realm of social media. It is important to understand how to use technology in a safe and appropriate way.
2. What should students be able to do with technology?
Students should be able to navigate, learn how to create on various programs, be aware of safety, and establish an identity for themselves. They should also learn how to contribute to the technology conversation.
3. Why is it important for us to use technology in education?
I think that it is important to use technology in education because it opens up the conversation between teachers and students. Students are born in this world of technology. They speak fluent digital language, and having the teacher interact with them on their level can increase understanding and build trust and interest in the content area and the class. Another point for using technology in the classroom is that it can help address every child's needs. There are barriers that each child must face in education and technology can help bridge those gaps. ELL learners can be helped especially through technology using google translate. There are many things that technology that can bring to the classroom.
4. What concerns do you have about using technology in education?
Some of my personal concerns about using technology in education revolve around the fact that technology is not always the most reliable source to portray information. If you are teaching a lesson and the main part of the lesson involves technology and it breaks down, that could be frustrating. I'm also a little intimidated in my own confidence. I'm not always sure what to do in the situation, and that makes me a little nervous.
5. What is your current stance on the use of technology in education?
I think that it is a good idea! I love that we have access to technology in education. I have already seen some great things in the education system with technology. For example, in the school that I work at, there is a program called Lexia that all the students go on. It is accessible on the computers and the ipads. This program has boosted reading scores, as well as children's self-confidence. I learned in my educational psych class that reaching multiple areas of a student's brain is going to strengthen that student's learning. Technology can greatly impact education. However, I do have my concerns that I have listed above. I also am dealing with the issue of trying to get students to unplug from technology and participate in the physical world around them. I think that while there is a place for technology in education, it cannot be the sole vessel of learning.
6. What are your goals for this course?
My goals for the course are to increase my own confidence in technology use and try to get some ideas for my own classroom. I also want to actually apply the learning that we are doing into my own life. I don't want to just "learn and dump". I want to put this information to use one day. I also want to get better at reaching out to my peers.
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