I think that the five articles that we read on digital literacy this week help illustrate how the landscape of education is shifting to focus on a more technology-driven curriculum, and how we, as educators, need to be flexible in using new styles of teaching so that our students can achieve the high-order strategies needed to become more digitally literate.
One thing that stood out to me was the comparison Fullan and Langworthy made to teaching new pedagogies as to being alive in the swamp. They said, “the current mix of digital innovations for education was and remains a swamp: murky and mysterious”. I see this in my teaching practice a lot. Some teachers are innovators and early adopters to using digital literacy strategies in their curriculum, while others are more orientated towards the “old school” methods of teaching. Although sometimes it can be difficult for teachers to get out of their comfort zones, I think it is important for all stakeholders to adopt new technology-driven pedagogies early on so the curriculum doesn’t become stale and so our students can receive the most up-to-date education that can help them connect to the world around them.
Literacy is a very broad term, especially in the realm of education. To me, as a secondary English teacher and future librarian, literacy goes beyond having proficient reading and writing abilities. Literacy is competence. Literacy is learning new information that you can analyze, evaluate, and engage with in order to become an effective participant in contemporary society (Hobbs, 2011). One of the ways students will become “effective participants” is by mastering, to some degree, digital and informational literacy. As Kuhn pointed out, “when used correctly, educational technology gives new meaning and utility to long-established educational paradigms”. Adopting these strategies in our teaching practices will help students achieve success both inside and outside of the classroom.
I agree with what you said in your second paragraph. Some teachers are still stuck in the thinking " Well we have always done it this way". Being somewhat of a tech guru, I always struggle to understand this thinking. My thinking is yes, we have always done this, but what if there is a better more efficient way that will give our students the much needed exposure to digital literacy, especially at a young age like I teach in first. These quality beginner lessons are what they need to succeed at much harder digital concepts in the upper grades.
ReplyDeleteYour statement is spot on. Technology pedagogies was murky and mysterious. Educators are definitely all over the place from experienced to pushing against using technology in the classroom. I think it is extremely important for stakeholders to be up to date in the recent technology and how it can be used in education to enhance learning.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is very important for all stakeholders to adopt new technology-driven pedagogies to keep students engaged and connected to the world around them. Technology allows teachers to personalize instruction, provide up to date data, and empower students. I believe technology alone is insufficient unless it is in the hands of capable teachers. The integrating of technology can be difficult and uncomfortable for teachers. School administrators must be supportive of teachers as they seek training in new and innovative technologies and as teachers seek to implement these technologies in their classrooms.
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