What:
This week, our guest speaker, Jesse, gave a super engaging and entertaining talk on digital literacy. He discussed the topics of media consumption, data bases, social media, AI, digital identity (personal, social, professional), digital rights, digital safety, and more topics surrounding digital literacy. One thing that really stuck out to me was when he said that in the 21st century we are not preparing kids to live in the past. This is a contrast argument to when people say technology should not be used in schools. I have never been against technology, and I did see where it would be beneficial in the classroom. But with that said, I did always see the other side of the argument, and thought yeah maybe technology is not the best thing for the class. After Jesse said this though, it sort of shifted my thinking. Especially when he said things change, they always have changed. Using the example of schools used to not have white kids and Black kids in schools together. Our world has changed, technology is a part of it. So, kids should learn the safe, proper, and respectful ways of how to use technology. And they should be doing that at school, supported by there teachers.
So What:
I think that as a future educator it is crucial to be aware of the power technology has in our world, and that our students will be fully emersed in it. As a future educator, understanding technologies role in the classroom is a skill that will help me to better prepare my 21st century students for the fast past ever changing world. Being aware of how technology can be used in the classroom will help me to prepare my students for the rest of their lives. I think that sometime soon, there will be more laws and regulations surrounding technology in the schools, and when there is, it will actually make technology easier to use in the classroom.
Now What:
Based off what I have learned today, I will be more inclined to learn new ways I can incorporate technology into my future classroom. When I become a teacher, will be sure to educate my students on the world of technology, specifically the importance of privacy, digital identities and their rights and responsibilities on the internet. I hope to be able to create a classroom environment where technology is included in a reasonable, safe and responsible way. I look forward to learning about more ways I can support my future students with technology in the classroom and getting them ready for our fast-paced world.
This week I have added a hyperlink to my notes from todays class: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZtXoWeX7pRLengVHu5zV0wtbnKzmHt0k_Q4t6PfFmjQ/edit?tab=t.0