Prior to the seminar, I had a very limited view as to what
powerpoint could be used for. Modwell, Moore, Wray & Griffiths (2012) believe that ‘children
should be taught the skills of reading and writing through ICT based texts’,
and as a trainee practitioner, I feel that using such software in the classroom
will be both a manageable and enjoyable task. Within the 21st
century classroom, it is suggested that we need to extend the definition of
literacy to include ICT based texts (Modwell et al 2012). I feel that by incorporating
such texts into classrooms, it will benefit the learning of children,
especially boys, as they tend to use visual texts as a means of escaping the
hard work involving continuous prose (Moss 1999 as cited in Millard & Marsh
2007) thus making reading and writing an meaningful task which is accessible to
all.
I agree with your comment about boys seeing ICT as 'escaping the hard work', but I think it is more than that - knowing that digital texts are considered to be as valuable as printed texts could potentially alter attitudes towards reading.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this also, however if boys think ICT is escaping the hard work how do we know as teachers that they understand what they are learning and why rather than jsut having fun? This was apparent in my SE because the children were making a powerpoint presentation book review, however, the boy I was working with was much more concrened with the use of powerpoint than the features of a book review.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the use of ICT is seen as more 'boy friendly' when it comes to presenting literacy. However, I do not think that we as teachers should become too reliant on technology to support those who may be considered underachievers if they simply see it as 'escaping the hard work'.
ReplyDeleteOne of the ways in which ICT could be used in conjunction with written texts is a motivational tool for children who who have different learning abilities and interests, especially boys so I am in favour if used within these contexts and not solely as the prime teaching tool, and I also feel that children should be given the choice as long as it is limited so that it is kept within the structure,
ReplyDeleteI agree that boys may see ICT as an easy way of learning as children nowadays are so used to engaging with technology on a day-to-day basis. I also support the point made that teachers shouldn't have to depend on this way of teaching to engage boys, or learners who hold similar attitudes. I think it is important not only for teachers to change their views on digital technology and its' benefits within the classroom, but also for children to realise that, yes, using technology as a form of learning can be fun, but it also holds great importance for their educational achievement and doesn't give them an easy way out of learning.
ReplyDelete