As educators we are responsible for preparing the next generations of students to participate in a world where technology continues to develop and change the way we communicate, learn, and express ourselves. Tracey Sanderson explores this concept in her article A Journey of Enacting New Literacies in an Early Education Classroom. Though the author lives and teaches in Australia, the challenges she faces in educating her students using ever changing technology mirror our own here in the United States. She begins with reflection on her own journey to understand and embrace new forms of literacy in order to better serve her students. One significant revelation was that we as teachers, and in turn our students, must learn to become not only consumers, but producers of information. This seems to be a greater challenge for adults, while children readily and eagerly embrace new forms of expression and creation through the use of technology.
As the article continues, Sanderson explores strategies for augmenting instruction to include new literacy activities such as use of video, audio, apps, and QR codes to access information and document their learning. Such activities include using QR codes to access videos with information on animals, then using an ipad app to create a video to share their findings. She also discusses the importance to teaching students boundaries and responsible use of technology. While incorporating technology into the classroom is a key component of new literacy, Sanderson discusses that simply using technology is not enough, but that lessons should be evolved to challenge students to explore all areas of learning. An example includes learning aspects of film making while creating videos to share and present their learning. Along with using technology in instruction, Sanderson shares ideas for engaging students with tactile, visual, and auditory activities to enhance their learning.An additional consideration that she explores is ensuring that activities using technology are also those that promote critical thinking skills and enhance student learning, and not simply mindless clicking.
Sanderson, Tracey. (2015). A journey of enacting new literacies in an early childhood education classroom. Practical Literacy: The Early & Primary Years, 20 (3), p17-20.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI chose the same article for the post!
I did not think of adding the idea of how we must producers of information. It is key to stay up to date with new technology and resources as it changes so that students are prepared.
Yes! Having students express their learning and deep understanding is the goal. That is great that they can use tech, but can they understand why it is important to what they are learning? Can they apply it? This is the new shift from Common Core, I believe.
Brian