Initial Reflection

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OxPLLiMVUOJ9BSxluaQoHPul0z1Yld-8NfwcmfmsZIE/edit?usp=sharing



1. What is digital literacy and why is it important?

The American Library Association (ALA) defines digital literacy as "the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills."
Digital literacy is important because as technology is becoming more advanced in today's world, children are keeping up with technology faster than adults. As educators, it is important to be able to utilize this technology in order to reach all students and children to better their knowledge. Not only will helping students build digital literacy skills help advance their education in schools, but it will also help with their future and understanding the importance of Internet safety, privacy, cyberbullying, etc...

2. What should students be able to do with technology?

Students should be able to use technology in order to better their education and learning. They should learn basic internet skills, basic computer skills, and other basic technology skills. By having a basic understanding of technology, the students will be able to learn and explore more about technology in and outside of the classroom.

3. Why is it important for us to use technology in our classes?

It is important to use technology in our classes for many reasons. One reason is that it is an easy way to relate to and reach to our students. More than likely, as a teacher, your students are going to be more advanced with technology than you are. By using technology in the classroom, it is an easy way to get students involved since they love technology too. Another reason why technology is important for us to use in our classes is because the students will use technology outside school as well. They might use it in their future career, college, hobbies, etc... Teaching them how to use technology will not only help them now, but it will help them later too.

4. What are your 3 fears about using technology in education?

My first fear about using technology in education is using tools that the students do not like or find interesting. I want to be able to use technology in a way that the majority of my students enjoy it and are learning. I want to use tools that they find fun, but that are also beneficial for their education.
My second fear about using technology in education is that I will have a hard time incorporating it into my content area. My content area is physical education and although I have a few ideas of how to incorporate technology into PE, I don't feel like I know enough yet. I know that technology is important to incorporate into the classroom, but I also want PE to be a way for my students to escape technology--even if it is for only 45 minutes.
My third fear about using technology in education is trying too hard to incorporate it into my classroom. I minored in health education and I took a few health classes where we had to make lesson plans and incorporate technology into them. At times, I feel like some lessons/units are best taught by not using a lot of technology. I want to learn about the proper amount of technology to use or not to use in the classroom.

5. What are 3 ways in which you think using technology in education will be exciting or change the way teaching and learning can happen?

One way I think using technology in education will be exciting in the way that teaching and learning can happen is that it is always changing and advancing. It is something that I will continue my education on throughout my teaching career. I think that technology in the classroom will continue to change and advance, but for the better.
A second way I think using technology in education will be exciting and can change the way that teaching and learning can happen is that it is a great way for students to have an easier transition from school to career. Most careers use some sort of technology everyday from powerpoint presentations to basic computer skills. Learning how to use technology during school before going into a career is a great advantage for the upcoming generations.
A third way that I think using technology in education will be exciting and can change the way that teaching and education can happen is through creating new and improved ways for students to stay connected with their grades and their teachers. When I was growing up, the only way I knew my grade was if I made an appointment with my teacher and I asked them what my grade was. Also, keeping up with assignments was more difficult because there was no online platform where teachers posted the assignments and their due dates. Today, students have a way easier time connecting with their teachers and being able to keep up with their grades and assignments. This is something that I feel like is going to continue to advance more and more.