The first session explored two different avenues. The first part of the lecture focused around our initial thoughts of teaching and learning. The session focus then moved on to exploring learning in a digital age and the impacts this may have on learning. During this blog entry I am going to highlight the key areas that stood out and questioned my previous views, ideas and knowledge.
At the beginning of the session we were presented with a question which provoked many responses. ‘What are the qualities of a good teacher?’ Having this starter question allowed for great discussion and prompted deeper thinking.
This initial question led to a variety of different attributes, qualities and skills being discussed that a good teacher may have. One of these, which I found of particular interest, is the use of ‘wait time’ when questioning children. It was identified in the session that once a question is asked it is important to allow time for the recipient to digest the question. This is very applicable to children in the classroom. When asking a question to a child I feel that using the correct amount of ‘wait time’ will be very beneficial to the learner. First of all the learner is allowed time to understand the question. Secondly, the learner is able to have time to think about their response and answer accordingly. I feel that this may influence deeper cognitive engagement and development. What are your views on this?
Learning in a digital age and the impact it can have on learning is a highly debated topic. During the second half of the session it was clear to see that there were many differing views on the impacts of digital technology. In particular how it could be used to maximise the potential for learning but also how technology may restrict children’s development.
Let’s begin with the benefits! A variety of positives were identified in the session. Digital technology can help to expand learning opportunities, help to facilitate learning, and allow for greater research to take place. I feel that digital technology also helps to promote multi-cultural awareness. Using Skype in a classroom is a fantastic way of promoting multi-cultural awareness. Children will be able to have conversations with other children from a variety of different countries. This will provide great benefits! Children will be able to share experiences of their own learning environment and also develop a greater understanding for others. Do you agree?
Despite the numerous benefits I have just discussed, there are also possible drawbacks to using digital technology in a learning environment. Let’s start with the use of interactive whiteboards. It would be highly unlikely to not find some form of interactive whiteboard in a classroom in the United Kingdom. The question I am raising here is whether they promote effective learning? During the session it was discussed that these whiteboards may in fact restrict children’s cognitive learning and engagement. Before the session I did not even have an idea that this may be the case. However, I have now been able to address this possibility and I am able to understand the process behind it. It is clear to see that just asking a child to come up to the whiteboard and move things around may not be developing the child’s learning. Are the children really thinking about the content or are they just focusing on moving the item/object to the correct place? If they are just moving objects for the sake of it then cognitive development is not taking place. This may impact on children’s development.
From reviewing the impacts of digital technology many conclusions can be drawn. One in particular that stands out is that yes technology is a great aid for teaching. However, it should supplement the learning and not replace a more personal style of teaching and learning!
Esther
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