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Sometime in the first couple lessons this semester we’ll be having a discussion about
the use of technology in the classroom to enhance our work together. We’ve probably
already had that discussion and if you’re visiting this page maybe you were away and
missed it and you’re doing catch-up. If that’s the case, there are a few things
I want to quickly share before you begin studying the presentation below.
The purpose of this presentation is to encourage my students to consider the digital nature
of our world today and the influence of technology – from how we produce and share things to
how we use mobile phones. When I say “we” I mean the dominant trends in our society
rather than you or me personally, though almost invariably those dominant trends do impact
on what you and I do personally as well. Consider how people share photos, music, videos,
ideas, what they did last week, what they thought of a movie, etc. Consider how often
businesses, organisations and government departments now require people to go online to communicate
with them and access information. And think about whether that’s likely to increase
or decrease by the time you finish school or uni, start your first career and build
an adult life for yourself. I believe that whether we like it not, we
have to acknowledge the influence of digital communication (including social media) in
all areas of our lives, and the importance of developing strong digital skills as a result
– no matter what you end up doing post-school. I’m committed to integrating technology
and digital communication into how we work as a class over the semester for two reasons,
which we can label ‘now’ and ‘later’: First for the now: there are great tools and
websites out there that we can leverage in our class work together to help make your
learning more engaging, personal, productive, collaborative and relevant to the world outside
the classroom. I think all those are good things.
The second reason – the later – harks back to what I’ve already mentioned...no
matter what you do post-school strong digital skills are necessary for you to be empowered
to influence the world you live in and create a world that you’re happy to live in. They’re
life skills that I believe we all need. When I work with students I come across different
reactions to the use of technology and digital communication in class. Most students embrace
it and love it, and that’s great. Some students generally don’t like using
technology; maybe they don’t feel confident with using it. Some students avoid using it
as much as possible, or at least stick to what they know and are confident with – typing
up assignments on Word or PowerPoint, doing Google searches, etc. I can understand that
approach, but I don’t think it’s going to help students in the long run. I believe
to be empowered in our world – especially in the future – you’re going to need more
than that. If you’re not confident with technology I encourage you to accept the challenge
of embracing the tools we use this semester – in an environment where you have support
and help at every turn. There are other students who like using technology
and readily share music, photos and other things digitally outside of school – but
they feel this sort of technology doesn’t belong in the classroom. I think this view
couldn’t be more wrong. What we do in the classroom should reflect what we do in the
real world. If it doesn’t, then how is it ever relevant?
Whatever your perspective on technology is, I encourage you to be open-minded, look for
the potential benefits and understand that you have support from me all throughout the
semester. Honestly consider the relevance of technology and digital skills today.
The presentation below opens with an 8min video clip. Please watch it all, thoughtfully
and reflectively, and be ready for 4 questions afterward. I want you to write responses to
these questions and send them to me on Edmodo so that I know you have viewed it.
Ensure you view the rest of the presentation and add any questions, concerns, ideas and
comments before you send me your message. You can catch up with me in person to discuss
how we’ll be using technology in class too if you’d like, especially if you do have
any concerns. I’m always open to talking about this.
Thanks for catching up for homework, and see you in class!