I was particularly struck by the quote from the Decoding Learning report (Luckin et al 2012) which says that 'teachers have a crucial role in ensuring that promising innovations do not fail in practice'.
I agree that we need to develop skills if we are to use technology purposefully in classrooms and we are to be positive role models. I think we, as a group, are going some way towards this but have concerns that the majority of our colleagues may not share our desire to acquire these skills. If there was a shared, collaborative, social approach to CPD, as outlined in the report, maybe staff would be more willing to adopt the ever-changing technology available to them in the classroom.
The seven significant thematic areas of digital literacy, identified within the report, are an essential starting point. All staff and students should:
- Be safe in a digital environment
- Find, evaluate and apply information
- Use digital tools
- Understand social responsibility
- Showcase achievement
- Have an awareness of digital identity
- Collaborate - education, community and work life
I agree Liz, this new technology is a scary place and many teachers might feel that 'they don't know what they are doing' or 'that the kids don't need their help/insight'.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see how our respective schools view the work that we are undertaking and developing.
Oh, and thanks for the help today... much appreciated! =]
Thanks for sharing Liz!
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