A common
belief amongst our culture is that there is a hierarchy of literacy: the
information communicated by new technologies is considered the lesser of the
two when compared to the traditional written texts, such as books (Harding,
2000). However in a society where the popular culture is centred around the use
of these technologies due to their increasing availability, I believe that as a
developing teacher it is important to consider the role they can have within the
literacy classroom and children’s education.
The use of
popular culture within the classroom, in this particular instance the use of
new technologies, has been found to
engage children within lessons due to its ability to “capture” children’s
interests (Marsh and Millard, 2000) and its ability to draw on a range of
children’s experiences (Dyson, 1977). Supporting this, on my placements, I have
come across children who perceive media outlets such as social networks and
other non-print forms, such as television, games and films, to be more appealing
in comparison to the traditional print forms of information being focused on by
many schools reflecting today’s popular culture. I have also seen an instance
in which children have been provided the opportunity to come into contact with new
technologies in which they can produce work on in the form of apps on the iPad,
which appeared to spark an interest and focus in some children which I had
never observed in the individuals before. Therefore
I can see the benefit of their use within a classroom of any subject and
therefore I feel it is important step forward to not only recognise their role
but to use them actively within literacy teaching.
Although
many schools claim to use a variety of new technologies as platforms in which
children can produce their work, I have very limited observations of this
actually taking place within schools and therefore this could present me with a
challenge as I feel this will mean that I cannot make fully informed judgements
on their use. However I hope that my readings and the experience I shall gain
in schools throughout this module should enable me to develop professionally
and apply my knowledge to my future practice.
I really like how you have mentioned using new technologies like the iPad within the classroom and the various different apps you can now use to develop and support teaching and learning. I can imagine using iPads within the classroom does motivate and capture children's attention and willingness to learn. Have you observed children using iPads in the classroom, and if so how were they used? I agree with the statement that using popular culture within the classrooms can have some benefits towards gaining and capturing children's interests. However, do you not feel that by increasing the use of popular culture within classrooms could lead to some children feeling left out if they are not privileged enough to have the most up to date popular culture?
ReplyDeleteYou have really thought about this and have made some good points, Schools are often reluctant to try new technologies mainly in case the technology breaks, or sometimes it just add another layer of things to get ready for a session. I hope when you see it in action you will see just what can be achieved in a lesson using technology
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