Assessment Item 2

Why do you think digital technologies have been put into schools?

When considering why digital technologies have been put into schools the first though that occurs is that technology is everywhere. Essentially, schools would need to be a totally separate entity to wider society to avoid digital technologies. As schools have evolved throughout time to incorporate new technologies beginning with pens and books to typewriters, calculators and computers; we must now adapt to the seemingly endless supply of online technologies that change, update and upgrade continuously. We must adapt and harness these technologies to be able to have students who leave our classrooms and schools as capable members of society. Though at times having devices in classrooms can be challenging due to student distraction and device misuse, it is necessary to find meaningful ways to include current technologies when developing all types of curriculum content. When providing content with digital technologies included it is also important to include quality pedagogy as well as making sure that the technology used is used in a manner that enhances the lesson rather than just including something that contributes little or no value to the lesson. When teaching many new concepts, constructivism can be a helpful learning theory when introducing these new technologies to students who may not have interacted with them. It is important to recognise that not all ‘digital natives’ are familiar with all types of technology and therefore, it is essential that when teaching using technology not to assume a student’s expertise with any software or application no matter how much it may be associated with their age group; again bringing the constructivist approach to the fore. The speed with which teachers have recently been expected to adapt lessons to online learning and teaching modes is testament to how quickly teaching environments can change. Only two months ago, many classrooms probably would not have been using online collaboration on a regular basis, now there are large amounts of online meetings for both classes and staff daily.