Technology in the classroom: A brilliant or catastrophic phenomenon?

There is no denying that we live in a very digital world. However, if I’m being completely honest it took me a while to embrace the idea of technology in the classroom. In my undergraduate program, I chose to take an elective course on digital media in the classroom to try to deepen my understanding about the issue. Throughout the duration of the course we were presented with both arguments: pros and cons. Despite all the information I was presented with, I was still a bit skeptical. I would read scientific articles on how brains are being rewired. Keegan (2012) explained that the common belief is that brains shape technology, but people rarely considered that technology is shaping our brains.

However, recently I realized that my skepticism was holding me back from incredible learning tools which I could be bringing into the classroom. I may only be a young adult, but I have learned to accept that the childhood children have now is very different from the childhood that I experienced.  It was a shocking realization that youth today are experiencing the world through a brand new lens. As an educator, I realized that it is critical for me to “get with the times” so I can not only benefit from what the digital world has to offer, but allow my students (the digital natives)  to navigate through the digital world in a way which will benefit them immensely.  

The amount of great educational resources which exist are countless. I am forever amazed at the innovative tools which have emerged. I look forward to sharing my discoveries with you in upcoming blog posts.  However, taking a step back and thinking about the 21^st century literacies, I thought about this concept in relation to Digital Literacy. It is defined as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills” (Mckee-Waddell, P. 26).” This literacy is so important because there is no doubt that students will be navigating through the web, so students need to understand the logistics behind it. As a student, I remember getting several generic lectures from parents and staff about “stranger danger”. This issue still applies for children, but now this danger can come from behind a screen. As educators, we have the best interests of students at heart, but how can we do this if we don’t immerse ourselves into their world. A digital footprint is also such an important issue. Students need to realize that every click of the mouse is being tracked and ultimately cannot be taken back. Living in a 21^st century world means being ready to adapt to the constantly evolving world.

This image really stood out to me because it put into perspective how digital literacy can be embedded into countless aspects of the classroom. In the image, it lists three reasons for teachers to use technology in the classroom:.          
    1. Adapting to diverse learning styles

    2. Boost student motivation

    3. Enhance the material being taught

All of these reasons reinforce just how valuable it can be for a student to be exposed to technology in a classroom context. Additionally, when reflecting on digital literacy, it quickly became clear to me that this literacy can be embedded into all the other literacies. With the digital world, we have access to an infinite amount of information, so it is valuable that we have the necessary skills to navigate through it all.

How do you feel about the 21^st century classroom? Share your thoughts below!