1. In chapter one, it was apparent that it was going to be broad and more of an overview. I did find some interesting topics, however. The book refers to a "digital childhood" which most children born in the mid to late 1990's were apart of. A digital childhood indicates an upbringing with access to televisions, computers, gaming systems and more. I recall a very early memory of playing the simplest, elementary games on a computer. I would play, and learn, with CD-ROM games like Tonka Truck, JumpStart Preschool (my favorite), and more. Although it seemed normal to me, I realize now that I was a member of a new community.
2. Alongside my generation is a close relative, the iGeneration. These children are growing up using iPads and iPhones as early as the first day home from the hospital. Although they aren't using them all by themselves, parents are using them as tools to calm their children with music and videos, or to distract them during car rides, eating at a restaurant, and more. I have seen this first hand and I have yet to really form an opinion about it since I do not have my own children. Since it is embedded in a child's mind almost as a need, teachers are using technology to their full advantage! Online learning games are one example of how teachers are benefitting from the use of technology.
3. When I read about having a digital identity as a teacher, I pondered what mine was. Even though I grew up with technology, I only had access to computers for school. I may be "old fashioned" but since I will be teaching middle schoolers, technology may be more distracting than anything. I do not think I will have my own identity until I am submerged in a class setting where I won't have much of a choice than to figure it out.
But why should I use technology? Click here!
It seems as though I will need to incorporate technology to connect with students via videos, learning games et cetera. I hope to develop more in these areas to really hit home with my future students.
I love TED talks!
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
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