Week 12 Blog

From this module I have gained knowledge about what digital technologies and literacies are available and how they can be used to support children’s learning and development. This has also allowed me to recognise the importance of providing children with the opportunity to experience and explore different technologies and literacies (Futurelab, 2010). Additionally the module has demonstrated how children’s popular culture of media, comics, technology and toys can be used to support, develop and engage children in all areas of the curriculum (Lambirth, 2003) as well as support them socially and culturally.

The experiences in schools have enabled me to see how popular culture and digital literacies can be planned for, taught and used in schools, such as using comics to extend more able pupils in reading comprehension, as well as demonstrated the importance of teaching children  and young people life skills (Medwell, Moore, Wray and Griffiths, 2012). Because digital technologies are growing more vital to everyday life, it becomes more important to teach children how to use them effectively (Johnson and Kress, Unknown) and that they are taught how to be safe using technologies and made aware of the risks that can occur (Burnham, 2008). Another aspect that the module and school experiences have demonstrated is that digital technologies, media and multiple literacies can be embedded into a cross-curricular approach to learning (Futurelab, 2010). This enables children to learn curriculum knowledge and skills through resources which are more applicable to real life and are more engaging (Medwell et al.  2012) as well as allows the teacher to cover multiple areas of assessment for learning.

In conclusion, the implications for my own practice and development are many the first being to develop my own knowledge and skills in using different technologies and literacies (Lambirth, 2003). However on reflection this alone is not enough as teachers we also need to be ready to adapt to new and developing technologies, as it grows children will also need to develop an adaptive approach so that they can continue to fit into society (Johnson and Kress, unknown).  Secondly I should use technology, comics, advertising, media etc. to enhance and develop children’s learning (Futurelab, 2010). And finally to not be afraid to let children to simply have a go and explore as this is the main way we learn to begin with as well as supports planning and progression.

 

Bibliography

Johnson, D & Kress, G, ‘Globalisation, Literacy and Society: redesigning pedagogy and assessment’ Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice Vol 10, (1) pp55-14

Burnham L. (2008) 'Unit 8 Use Information and Communication Technology to Support Pupil's Learning' from The Teaching Assistant's Handbook: Supporting teaching and learning in schools S/NVQ Level 2 (2nd Edition) pp 127-144 Essex: Pearson Education Limited

Lambirth, A. (2003) ‘”They get enough of that at home”: Understanding aversion to popular cultures in schools’ Reading 37(1) pp.9-13

Futurelab (2010) Digital literacy across the curriculum a Futurelab handbook Bristol: Futurelab

Medwell J. Moore G. Wray D. and Griffiths V. (2012) ’14 Electronic texts’ from Primary English Knowledge and Understanding London: Learning Matters Ltd.