Week 30 - The Broader Professional Context. Contemporary trends in NZ or internationally

Week 30 - The Broader Professional Context. Contemporary trends in NZ or internationally

I will be analysing a trend in New Zealand education using the Rolfe’s model to critique and evaluate the ‘impact of digital learning’.

What?

The trend that i have chosen to elaborate on is trend#1 the impact of digital learning.. The reason why I have chosen this trend is because my classroom is a one to one class which means  each student in my class does their work on chromebook devices. 21st century learning has come to light and I have made it my sole duty to make sure my students are equipped with the knowledge, skill and understanding of what it means to be a 21st century learner and what skills they need to grasp in order to be successful in their ever  so evolving digital environment. Daggett (2014) argues that As educators, we need to embrace the power of technology to make learning relevant for all students and adults. We are modernizing learning by using technology effectively in everyday learning so we can help students strengthen their learning experiences and build on their intuitive technology skill. I noticed that my students come to school with skill that help them operate a technical device and the idea is not to stop them from using technology but to guide and scaffold them to understand its how you use the technology for learning.

So What?

According to Daggett (2014). Using technology thoughtfully for instructional purposes will allow us to stretch learners’ thinking in ways that will lead to success in today’s increasingly global economy and rapidly evolving digital environment. I know that in my class technology has become  paramount to my students learning and that Flipped learning has been a big part of this. This flipped approach was introduced to me during my mindlab experience and it has changed my practise entirely. Using their technological tools to understand content for themselves before checking understanding with the teacher has been a step toward progress. Although flipped learning is a work in progress for me I still have other aspects of this approach to consider before reaching mastery. Even though technology is a way of the 21 century for our students it still remains the fact that technology cannot replace the personal contact often needed by our students Daggett (2014). John Hattie's (2008) states that learning must be visible where teacher and student relationships are fostered through learning and that this must be apart of the process of implementing technology programmes.

Now What?

I have really enjoyed using technology in my class because it is very engaging and interactive for my student but i still have questions floating in my mind like are my students ready for their new and ever so changing world? Have I made sure that I have taught them what it means to be a 21st century learner and  able to present this through action? Daggett (2014) points out that There is a growing realization that preparing a young person for career success requires a higher and different set of academic skills and knowledge than those needed for success in higher education. What will make a positive impact on student readiness would be the fact that we as teachers don't stop improving and keeping up to date with research in terms of technology and education working together. Reflecting on teaching and learning practise and maintaining a balance of technology and teacher and student interaction during learning Daggett (2014).

Reference.

Daggett, B. (2014). Addressing Current and Future Challenges in Education. Retrieved from http://www.leadered.com/pdf/2014MSC_AddressingCurrentandFutureChallenges.pdf