We live in an era where there is so much technology that it is not surprising that children seem to be very confident with its use. They have grown up within the digital era. These children are known as 'digital native' according to Prensky (cited in Futurelab, 2010, p 9) compared to that of 'digital immigrants' who were not born within the digital era. However, according to Futurelab (2010) children are not often confident or as 'knowledgeable and savvy as they appear to be' (p 9). Teachers need to be able to incorporate children external digital cultures within the lessons to enthuse and motivate children. By using digital literacy within a lesson helps children to be 'curious, creative, critical thinkers that frame their emerging understanding'. By allowing teachers to have 'autonomy ' with their teaching practices according to Rose, will allow this to happen (cited in Futurelab, 2010, p 15). Internet safety is a cause for concern, not only for parents, but for those in the teaching profession. Futurelab (2010) recognises that these areas have to be addressed within schools to keep children safe whilst still allowing them to take 'risks as part of their digital development' (p 16). The Byron Review (2008) agrees and suggests that children, even though are empowered by digital literacy need to taught to 'understand how to manage and enjoy the Internet safely' (p 81). Through schools having effective policies concerning E- Safety digital technology/literacy and using within lessons will equip children with the skills that children need to succeed in the 21st century.
Futurelab, (2010) Digital literacy across the curriculum [online] Bristol: Futurelab (accessed 24.01.2013) www.futurelab.org.uk
Byron Review (2008) Safer Children in a Digital World, The Report of the Byron Review Nottingham: DCFS Publications
Often children view technology as just a means to an end, making their life more efficient, Howe and Strauss suggests that for a device to qualify as technology, it must be novel, challenging and fun not just useful, does this mean as teachers we will always be lagging behind the learners as they find new ways of using the technology .
ReplyDeleteHowe N.,Strauss.W 2003 Millennials go to college: American Association of college registrars and admissions officers
Millennials is another way of saying digital natives
Internet safety is definitely becoming more of an issue - children now have portable devices such as iphones, laptops and tablets which are more difficult to monitor. It is a shame because as you said, children need to have the freedom whilst being kept safe, which is a difficult balance to maintain.
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