We live in an era where
technology rules most people’s everyday lives. From mobile phones, computers
and tablets, technological devices are readily accessible and as a result of
this, children born in the 21st century are coined as ‘digital
natives’ (Futurelab 2010; 10). As practitioners, we need to be aware of ‘children’s
lived experiences inside and outside of school’ (Futurelab 2010; 59) when they enter
our classroom, to support them to ‘thrive in digital cultures’ (Futurelab 2010;
10). However, as stated in Futurelab (2010), teachers may not feel confident
with their abilities as they are ‘less informed about technology’ (Futurelab
2010; 10), thus being categorised as a ‘digital immigrant’ (Futurelab 2010; 9).
Being a teacher means
facilitating children’s learning, and due to this teachers need to overcome their
fears of technology as ‘digital literacy is an important resource which
supports learning’ (Futurelab 2010; 12). Incorporating digital literacy into
the classroom, it allows children a safe environment in which to explore and
develop knowledge, skills and understanding which Futurelab (2010) states will
help them now and in the future. The inclusion of digital literacy with in a
lesson, does not mean that traditional methods should be eradicated, but rather
using them to acknowledge the ‘different skills’ (Futurelab 2010; 12) that
children need.
‘Subject knowledge is constantly
evolving’ (Futurelab 2010; 12), and as educators it is our responsibility to
ensure that children are motivated and enthused with what they are doing. The
advances in technologies allow for the content to not only be readily produced
but also easily updated (Futurelab 2010; 12) thus keeping lessons current,
engaging and applicable. If the care is taken to involve children’s interests
of digital technologies, that they are accustomed to children outside of
school, will this not then potentially benefit the work that is produced and
the child’s learning? I feel that if we are going to be teachers in the 21st
century we need to facilitate the growing needs of our 21st century children.
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The 21st Century Fluency Project agrees with the fact that children need to be prepared for their future lives and current advances in society and the best way to do this is by teaching them the present and future. Not all children will have the same opportunities at home and will rely on their time in schools to learn about digital medias.
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