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.
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 21st 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 21st
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
1. Adapting to diverse learning styles
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 21st century classroom? Share your thoughts below!
How do you feel about the 21st century classroom? Share your thoughts below!
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