The increased use of technology and multimedia by children

I believe that the increased use of technology by children is a positive step forward, as it can provide interesting, exciting and engaging contexts for learning. Children are now born and grow up in a technology based society. Therefore, I think it is inevitable in our increasing digital society that children should have access to technologies and multimedia in the classroom. It is important that children are given opportunities to explore different technologies, so that they will be able to access it when they enter into the real world and the work force.

I also believe that it is a positive step forward, as technology gives children access to information at their fingertips. This is valuable as children have inquisitive minds, so technology can be a great platform for them to explore and learn. Technology is constantly changing and adapting and is an important aspect in our society. Therefore I think it is inevitable that children need to be computer illiterate and allowed to explore and use technologies.

In school I have seen a really good uses of technology through filming to create mini-puppet shows in order to develop storytelling. I found that the children were really keen to collaborate and share ideas. Some of the lower ability children and shy children thrived due to the exciting and different context for learning. I believe that the reason this use of technology was so effective is that it was accessible for all children and engaging. Writing a story can be a daunting task, so the use of filming helped to make storytelling more accessible. Some of the children felt that it was a safe environment in which they could share and develop their ideas, which provided a rich learning environment as well as being fun.

The possible challenges of this module, is that I use technology in everyday life, but I have limited knowledge of new technology and how it can be used in the classroom to support the wide range of subjects. I have not had much experience of using technology in the classroom, and have only had experience of teaching ICT through BeeBots in Year One. I am looking forward to exploring new technologies and multimedia, so that I can support and enthuse children to learn in my own practise.