Digital Reflections of a Pre-Service Teacher

Gone are the days when teachers depend on whiteboards, blackboards or overhead projectors to convey information. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers were routinely using presentation software, such as PowerPoint on a regular basis; however, with the move towards online learning, it was identified that presentations need to be more engaging and interactive. In today's post, I will look at some of the options available to teachers. Image source: https://c.pxhere.com/images/07/b2/f8ed07d6f1a9c740e7703cbb99ee-1443423.jpg!d Presentations can be seen as the focal point for many high school lessons as they serve as the tool to convey information, outline activities and share images or videos. I use PowerPoint presentations in all of my lessons as it allows me to follow the lesson plan without having to think about what comes next. This allows me more time for classroom and behaviour management as well. Although PowerPoint is very useful programme for teachers and has a number...

  Being able to source, manipulate and create digital media are essential skills for 21st century learners. In this weeks blog, I will explore the different kinds of digital media which could be integrated and utilised by both the teacher and the student to extend and enrich learning experiences. Image source: Author created image - www.befunky.com The Digital Age How ICT in schools have changed since I was a student in the late 90's and early 00's! I vividly remember my science teacher using an overhead projector and transparent sheets to present content, from which we students diligently copied into our notebooks. Now, classrooms are characterised by a wealth of technology; every class I observed during my last three placements has involved ICT in one form or another. This shift complements the fact that today's students will spend the majority of their lives immersed in the digital world in one way or another (Gerwin et al., 2018). As a result of this change, I need to...

Blogs are an effective and engaging way to bring student learning into the digital age. Here, I will explore the different aspects and considerations for educators to consider. Image source: https://live.staticflickr.com/3130/2836828090_d44f5278bd_c.jpg Let's talk about the 21st century learner. The 21st century learner are students who are creative, innovative, are critical thinkers and problem solvers, and possessing social and personal responsibility (Department of Education, Skills and Employment, 2021). One of the many ways that teachers can develop these skills in their students is through the use of ICT. Integrating technology in the classroom, and making technology integral to learning, can increase student engagement as it provides students with the opportunity to extend and explore content with tools that are familiar to them (Bolden, 2019). From blogs to wiki’s to websites, there are lots of ways that technology can slot into our classrooms. Wiki's Wiki’s allow for c...

  In my previous post, I explored what the contemporary teacher and contemporary learner look like. In today’s post, I will explore the link between pedagogy and ICTs in the classroom. How exactly do we guide students towards higher thinking order and deeper learning with technology? The Eight Pedagogical Principles There are eight pedagogical principles associated with deep thinking and learning:        Facilitating deep knowledge through higher order thinking.        Facilitating collaborative learning in which conversations are important.        Supporting students in knowing how they can learn best.        Planning learning that is problem-based and situated in real life contexts.        Is relevant to students and connects to their background knowledge.        Supports learning that is owned, controlled, and managed by students themselves.   ...

  From having family on the other side of the world to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to studying a Master’s degree through distance learning has meant that technology is interwoven throughout my life. But how, as teachers, can we navigate and teach the complexities of technology in an increasing digital world, where numerous competing factors can impact engagement, safety and education of our learners. First we must look at what the contemporary teacher and the contemporary learner actually looks like.       THE CONTEMPORARY TEACHER   Does a lack of emotion for a new topic mean disinterest or a lack of motivation? While emotions play a significant role in how we learn, I do not believe that the absence of positive or negative emotions are directly related to disinterest in any topic. When I think about deep thinking, where ideas are explored in depth and broadly, am I experiencing a positive or negative emotions then? I do not think so. The more pertinent q...