Informal Blog Task - Session 4

Having explored the use of web 2 technologies such as JigZone and wordle, I feel I have extended my skills and knowledge which will in turn benefit my future practice in an increasingly digital culture (Future Lab, 2010). Exploring the use of these technologies will enable me to become more digitally literate and to understand how and when digital technologies can best be used to support learning (Future Lab, 2010). According to Merchant (2009) introducing new digital literacies into classroom settings is an important and challenging task, therefore I need to be able to understand their uses by exploring them myself before introducing them to a class.

As stated by Carrington and Robinson, (2009) digital technologies are by some seen to be irrelevant in relation to children’s learning. This causes many children to leave behind a suite of competencies and knowledge about digital technologies whilst in the classroom (Carrington and Robinson, 2009). However, by providing a context for children to use web 2 technologies such as JigZone to create their own puzzles, it will enable the class to be engaged with their learning (Carrington and Robinson, 2009). However, as highlighted by Carrington and Robinson (2009) teachers must be prepared to teach in schools that are embedded in a world where digital technologies are changing the ways in which we engage each other. Therefore it is vital that I continue to explore digital technologies in order to engage a class to the best of my ability.

Wordle is an additional web 2 technology that encourages children to be active in their learning, rather than passively learning (Vickery, 2014). It also caters for creativity as it enables children to design, change colour and insert text. I would therefore include it in my teaching, providing it would effectively impact the class’ learning.  I believe in order to improve my future practice, it is important that I engage in further technologies in order to make informed decisions about when and when not and how to use digital technologies effectively in my teaching and children’s learning (Allen, Potter, Sharp & Turvey, 2012).

Bibliography:

Allen, J., Potter, J., Sharp, J. & Turvey, K. (2012) Primary ICT Knowledge, Understanding and Practice (5^th edition) London: Sage Learning Matters

Carrington, V. & Robinson, M. (Ed) (2009) Digital Literacies: Social Learning and Classroom Practices London: Sage Publications Ltd

Future Lab. (2010) Digital Literacy across the Curriculum. [pdf] Available from: http://www2.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/handbooks/digital_literacy.pdf(Accessed: 08/02/14)

Merchant, G. (2009) Literacy in Virtual Worlds Journal of Research in Reading, 31 (1) pp.38-56

Vickery, A. (2014) Developing Active Learners in the Primary Classroom  London: SAGE Publications