Visiting a local
primary school has allowed me to put my knowledge of using ICT within the
classroom into a context. The morning talk and the tour of the school allowed
me to visualise how technology is used within the school and how I may use it
with my own class and school in the future.
After talking to the
Year 1 teacher, I was surprised at how much technology is used within key stage
1, for example the radio station. The school I was placed in for my second year
placement also had a radio station however it was only upper key stage 2 who
organized and broadcasted shows. However, since beginning this module I have
developed my understanding of technology and the way children use it. Therefore
as children today are digital natives, it isn’t surprising that they are able
to gain enjoyment and education from technology at such a young age.
I think a big
challenge for many teachers, is the issue of E-safety and how children
communicate online. The teacher at the local primary school highlighted that
children are vulnerable when they are online and therefore by teaching them how
to use apps safely and create ‘characters’ appropriately, we are helping to
ensure they stay safe when using the internet. Ofsted (2010) states that
schools should provide an age-related curriculum that educates children about
e-safety and enables them to become safe and responsible users of new
technologies such as apps.
I feel that my subject
knowledge about the apps available and my confidence in using them within the
classroom is a personal challenge. However I do feel that the school visit
introduced me to many apps that are simple to use and understand, yet still
powerful and effective. The visit also
allowed me to view things from a different perspective. As an English
specialist I tend to focus on traditional writing methods however the apps we
were shown demonstrated how technology can be used to enhance and add
excitement to work such as story writing through the use of talking books.
Ofsted (2010) (Online)
The safe use of new technologies
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/safe-use-of-new-technologies
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/safe-use-of-new-technologies
I feel that your comment about all children having access and use of technology from as young as key stage one to be very valuable. I feel it is important for teachers to consider the competencies and capabilities that children in key stage one have due to their development within this digital age, and i feel that it is important for teachers not to underestimate these skills and abilities, when planning around the key stage one curriculum . Specifically, the visit to the school enabled us to be exposed to the valuable and creative work that children in year one had produced and this was extremely inspiring to see.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that only KS2 were allowed access to the radio station at your previous school, what a difference to Tuesday. It surprised me what the KS1 children are capable of when given the chance. The use of a radio station definitely seems worthwhile.
ReplyDelete