Analysis
of Digital Technologies
In the 21st Century the merger of
learning and technology is unavoidable. We live in a connected world with more
and more people becoming “connected” though computers, laptops and even smaller
objects such as tablets and smart phones. This ability to conduct research, socialize
and contain books that have become downloadable is truly remarkable. Over the
first half of this term I have seen overwhelming evidence and reasoning for
schools to adopt technology sooner rather than later. The internet has a treasure
trove of information that not one human could possibly completely possess and
that is why, where and how to find the information has surpassed retention of
information.
When working with technology it is always
important for the user(s) to be aware of online safety with ethics and
legalities in mind. Within the learning environment schools should have online
standards and computer usage standards, which students should adhere to at all
times. No online interactions for the students should occur within the school
grounds until each student is made aware of the standards and computer use and
acknowledge that they do though an acknowledgment process. I believe that this
should occur at the beginning of each term, not just each year. Online bullying
should not be tolerated on the school network or from a student’s home.
Once I begin teaching I will certainly be
using some of the technological skills I have acquired throughout this
course. The most outstanding
programs for me have been the use of iMovie (Fig. 1),
the webpage creator Weebly (Fig. 2) and
actually using DeBono’s hats. I will definitely use his strategies when
considering implementing something new to the classroom. I found the tool
invaluable as it made me think out of my comfort zone and think differently
about something, whether I was for or against it. I have now, thanks in large
part to this course used both iMovie and Weebly since the activities set for
this course in another subject. I used Weebly to create my delivery format for
the assignment and on one of the pages I have a Skype interview video I
conducted then edited with iMovie.
 |
| Fig. 1 Creation of a video with iMovie |
The implications for technology within Australian schools are many. There are teachers who have been teaching for 10 or more years and if they are uncomfortable with technology they will be reluctant in implanting the technology into their classroom. Another problem that may arise is the lack of funds to bring an iPad or tablet into the school for every student to have access to one at all times. When purchasing an iPad for every student in every class the funding required for such an item could become quite costly. However, if parents would be willing to provide an iPad to their child, the cost for the school becoming more inline with the rapid pace of technology would not be as great and they could focus on providing classrooms with interactive whiteboards.
Another implication with technology is the
schools or Education Queensland’s view on creative tools used within the school
environment such as Weebly or Google’s Blogger. If the school or
education department do not permit the use of these great tools they should
offer an alternative within their network.
 |
| Fig. 2 A web page constructed with Weebly |
With the rise of technology there has been new digital learning theories to help teachers understand and exploit these advents to help engage young learners. Some of the new theories are:
TPACK
(Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge)
The framework of TPACK is about the
integration of effectively used technology on a specific subject with the use
of three important factors, these being: Technology, Pedagogy and Content. As stated
on the website Teaching Teachers for the Future TPACK is:
The combination has been described as Pedagogical
Content Knowledge (PCK) and is more than the simple addition of two parts. The
fusion is what enabled expert 20th century teachers to transform subject
content and represent it in ways that made it accessible to individual learners
in their specific contexts.
Digital pedagogy includes all use of
digital technology no matter how basic it is to develop or change the
educational practices from the tradition of textbooks and passive learning.
These technologies can range from PowerPoints to blogs, digital softwares such
as iMovie and educational apps for students. All these software tools are extremely
interactive for the students.
Connectivism is a learning theory that
closely ties into Vygotsky’s Zone of
Proximal Development. Vygotsky’s theory centers on the sociocultural teachings
and scaffolding for students from a More Knowledgeable Other. This may be
achieved though a teacher helping students research a topic online. In
e-learning notes online from CQUniversity, connectivism is described as:
It identifies the networked nature of learning with
computers and the internet. Siemens stated that it is no longer possible to
know everything, that it is more important to identify how and where to find
knowledge than it is to know. In other words, the pipeline and its connections
is more important than what is in the pipeline.
SAMR model for
Mobile Devices
Substitution: The teacher shows a group of students content on an iPad – Digital
pedagogy.
Augmentation: The teacher records a lesson they have with the students and
distributes the recoding online via email – Digital pedagogy
Modification: Mobile Devices used within the classroom with an effective learning
experience for certain tasks – TPACK
Redefinition: Using mobile devices daily with the students throughout all lessons
to enhance their learning experiences – TPACK
The analysis of digital technologies has
allowed me to discover various ways in which I can implement these new tools
into a classroom and engage students into learning new subject matter. Technology will only continue to grow
and as a teacher, I will continue to explore and learn about these tools to
ensure that all my students will benefit from future advances.
References:
Unknown Author.
(2015). A Brief Overview of Learning Theory.
Retrieved from CQUniversity e-courses,
EDED20491 ICTs for Learning
Unknown Author.
(2015) “Digital Pedagogy”?
Retrieved from
Unknown Author.
(n.d.). What is TPACK?
Retrieved from http://www.ttf.edu.au/what-is-tpack/what-is-
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