Having reflected on the use of technology and media at
Shirley Warren Primary School, discuss anything that surprises or challenges
you. What questions arise for you as a result of today's visit?
I believe that the
media resources and technology at the school were outstanding. The diverse
amount and quality of the resources undoubtedly gives the children a wide range
of technology to choose from, be it iPads or filming equipment, some they
would have used before and others they would never had opportunity to if it
weren't for the school. Technology such as the radio studio, not only allows
children to explore the equipment within a setting like this, but also teaches
them about different peoples jobs and roles within a workplace like this, and
how they can cooperatively work as a team. Therefore, it is apparent that
having a wide use and range of media and technology in the school, not only
develops children's understanding about the technology itself, but also
enhances further learning skills, such as communication, leadership and
teamwork.
One aspect that
did stand out for me today was the vast knowledge of the teacher himself.
Without his understanding and passion for the media in the school, it is
questionable whether it would be such a success? As discussed today, some
teacher's may not be as supportive or confident about using technology such as
the resources available at Shirley Warren, however, with training and support
it seems realistic that school can adopt this within everyday teaching. The 21st Century
Fluency Project suggests teachers need to ‘become learners themselves, and
discover the digital world’ (21st CFP: 4).Teachers can improve
their confidence in using new technology by: learning about different digital
tools, exploring the online world and familiarising themselves with what the
children are doing and how they are doing it (21st CFP). Before coming to the school today, I was
very pessimistic about being able to learn how to 'do' and edit
an animation, film or podcast, however, with only a short tutorial, I feel
that it would be possible for me to do this myself and with children.
Therefore, by giving teachers training and support, media and technology can be
accessible to teacher's and children with engaging and exciting learning
outcomes.
Bibliography
The 21st Century Project Understanding Digital Kids II
I am pleased you also enjoyed the experience at Shirley Warren Primary school, as I feel we now have a wider experience with different media technologies, which will give us confidence when working in schools. It was interesting that you discussed the benefits of using technology in school including; communications, leadership and teamwork. This partly answered a question, which I raised in my own blog, that I was not sure if technology was used as a tool for raising attainment or as a reward. I can understand that allowing children who are under achieving, to use the media suite or radio station, is a form of allowing them to access such skills that they find difficult in the classroom, especially communication because they may come across barriers in the class environment or through writing.
ReplyDeleteYou questioned if the schools success with technology was a result of a passionate teacher, and I feel you may be right. This is because I have not seen such success and dedication to technology in any other school, which shows it is down to the teachers willingness to succeed. This implies that there should be a guideline on the minimum amount of technology available in schools, so that there is in equal advantage for all children. On the other hand, should technology only be offered to the schools in deprived areas, in order to raise attainment?
I like how you linked the use of the radio station to developing children's skills of teamwork and communication.
ReplyDeleteI also questionned if the knowledge and enthusiasm of the teacher himself is representable of all schools, as I felt this was a determining factor of the success of the media and ICT available in this school.
This raised another question for me, is providing all schools with this degree of training and vast amount of resources realistic? Is it likely schools we go on to teach in have these resources?
I really found it amazing that Tom was such a passionate ICT coordinator and think his love for bringing technology into the classroom was evident throughout the school but unfortunately I don't think these attitudes are mirrored in many other schools and don't think we will have an opportunity to be in schools this advanced for a while. It would be nice if more schools had more resources like this readily available as it does impact children engagement within learning I think however I wonder if more schools were given such equipment would they put it to good use? There's no point making these resources available if they won't be used and unfortunately I think that without such passionate leadership they may remain unused.
ReplyDeleteI agree I think Tom’s attitude towards new technology could be a reason why Shirley Warren Primary provides children with engaging experiences of using new technology. It would be interesting to see if the other teachers share the same enthusiasm of using new technology. I wonder without Tom’s enthusiasm would the equipment and resources be used or would teachers remain scared of using these resources in the classroom?
ReplyDeleteTom's knowledge was really impressive but it was his openess and williness to share that I thought was more important . I feel that if a teacher with Tom's skillls and enthusiasm was in any school it would be amazing but its the willingness to demonstrate and share that allows the skills to develop in a school enviroment. I wonder now if you will take your new found skills in to a teaching post and try it or whether because its not being film or animation is not already being used you would be to scared to try it out. I think a lot of teachers would be unwilling to try it in case it went wrong.
ReplyDelete