So this week we talked more about digital literacy and how the definition of literacy is changing. We discussed that our future students need to know so much more than just how to read and write or they may fall behind.
The reason why I titled this post "No Clue This Week...." is because it seems as though we have talked about literacy a lot this term, not just in our internet for educators course but in others as well so I don't really feel like writing about that again and after brainstorming for awhile I was struggling to figure out what to write about.
One moment worth mentioning from class is when Cara made the comment that previous generations may not be as technology savvy as our generation but then we came to realize that Mike and and our guest speaker Dean knew more about technology than the whole room combined! So that kinda put us in our spot. After all, Mike is the one showing us all these new apps, widgets and websites that make us feel smart in the world of technology.
Also, thanks to Mike I don't feel as lost as some others when it comes to completing some of the weekly tech tasks, like organizing our blog list. I wouldn't call me a technology nut just yet because it feels like I have to make an effort to use everything he has taught us. Not all of the efficient, time-saving apps have made it into my daily routine, although I notice that I am using them more than not.
I am starting to like this blogging thing too.
Aw, shucks, thanks for the kind words, Steven. Sorry about the focus on new literacy - now part was about being connected as an educator - that trigger any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteNo worries. It is an important topic, especially when it has implications on the future of teaching. I just thought i'd be repeating myself.
ReplyDeleteTo me, it seems people think that some educators are afraid of technology and are resistant to bringing it into our classrooms but I don't think that is the case. I think those who are hesitating to use technology aren't afraid of technology but they are afraid of using technology ineffectively. Some teachers may feel pressure to get through the curriculum and may feel that they don't have a lesson or two to give away to bring in the new ways of learning. I think this may be a big feeling in math, just so students are fully prepped for when they write the provincial exams. I can't really speak for any other major courses and I actually believe that it would be a lot easier to incorporate technology in other courses with less pressure on getting through the curriculum.
It is just like anything new brought in, it'll take some time to get the kinks out but when they are out it is usually well worth the trouble.
I think that our generation relies on technology more, but I don't think that our generation necessarily knows more about technology. I feel that our reliance on technology is the foundation of the belief that the new generation will be techies. I think a lot of young kids (myself included, haha) blindly use technology without understanding what drives it and the totality of what it has to offer.
ReplyDeleteIn a very loose comparison, it's like me driving a car. I know that the gas makes it go, the brakes make it stop, and that big round thing controls which direction you go in- but I don't know HOW it actually works. I want to though. Maybe sign up for a little intro to engines at ACC this summer.
That being said, some young adults are friggin' geniuses with this stuff and some kids out there have the potential to be even MORE tech savvy than the geniuses of our generation; simply, because they have access to more technology younger. Imagine if Pythagoras had a kick-ass calculator? Triangle play would have been peanuts to him and he could have made his way through much more challenging problems and other math stuff.
No generation is superior than the effort that they put in.
I agree with Kate, just because technology is being used more and more by younger generations does not mean they fully understand how to use it properly and efficiently.
ReplyDeleteKristen made a good point when presenting to the class. That blogging was not end goal, rather that using technology appropriately to assist with learning.
Bringing in a new way of learning will take time for a class to adjust and adapt to the new learning strategies.
Wow! I feel like I created quite the conversation! I totally agree with everything Kate and Jaynell had to say. I love the last part of Kate's post "No generation is superior than the effort that they put in". So true! The more you work at something and want to know about something the better you are at it!
ReplyDelete