Digital Literacy Skill in 21st century reflection paper

Academy.We focus on applying innovative teaching methods that arm our

students with the skillsets they need to succeed throughout their education and
as they enter the workplace. For us, this concept is as practical as it is progressive.

Some educators still feel that we live in an ‘age of distraction’ and that students
must be pried away from their devices if they are ever going to focus long enough
to learn. However, there’s a strong body of evidence to the contrary.

How We Integrate Technology, Responsibly

At World Academy, our Technology Program’s focus is to use technology to

enhance, enrich, and augment classroom learning with active and engaging
learning activities. This occurs across all grade levels. In terms of communication
and collaboration – an intrinsic part of 21st century education – iPads actually
bring students together to accomplish shared goals. For instance, our K-8
students can use iPads for all subjects, including motion games, publishing
movies, and even science dissections.

We also use this technology for testing purposes. The NWEA testing measures
student growth and learning needs and identifies ways for us to accelerate the
learning process for each individual student. These tests are distributed using
iPads that automatically feed into the NWEA system, allowing our teachers to
aggregate results quickly and then apply useful, evidence-based lessons to
accelerate academic growth and achievement for our students.
After the results of these tests are uploaded, a customized enrichment program is
created for each individual student. Not only are we able to gain applicable
insights into how to cater to each student’s learning style, students are enhancing
their digital aptitude by familiarizing themselves with this technology.

Putting the Technology To Use

Almost all of our students attend computer class for 45 minutes per week. While
this is not an aberration from the mandatory curriculum at many other schools,
we are lucky enough to offer resources that many others cannot – or will not.
These technologies include Smart Boards (or Mimios) and a recently acquired pair
of 3D printers.

Have you witnessed a classroom where a Smart Board or 3D printer is in use? The
interaction with these devices is not only active but entertaining, communicative,
and collaborative. Teachers may also use tablets to record children’s interviews
with members of their community, other students, or teachers. This enhances
communicative skills and bolsters the student’s confidence in public speaking.

The ways to use technology as a tool for education are nearly endless! And, as
with our 3D printer training program, students can even take an active role in
identifying the best way to utilize these tools.

Give Them What They Want

If students’ eyes are glued to a screen, it only makes sense to populate those
devices with edifying, useful activities. Instead of assuming that focus is split
between education and technology, we believe that these two can be the perfect
complement to one another.
In a past blog, we discussed just how important a role technology plays in how
students learn. A study from CDW-G – a leading provider of integrated
information technology solutions to over 250,000 businesses, schools, and
government organizations – found that 94 percent of students say that they use
technology to complete their homework. If this is true, it only makes sense to
integrate these tools into curriculum to better serve the students that are using
them.

Why see this as a problem when instead it can be a solution? Children are
fascinated by technology, so when they learn through technology it’s equal parts
entertainment and education. This provides a unique opportunity to teach them
the skills they’ll need without monotonous lessons that are unable to keep their
focus.

Technology Actually Improves Focus

“Executive function” skills – the ability to control impulses, make plans, follow
instructions, multi-task and stay focused – are learned skills not inherent in
children at birth. We must learn these skills to thrive in the ever-connected world
that we live in today. Teaching digital literacy is an assured way of accomplishing
this.

There have been strong advocates for infusing technology into the classroom far
before the turn of the 21st century. The Fred Rogers Center, created by the well-
known host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, was a strong proponent of
introducing technology into the classroom. After all, these are the tools that
students will use for the rest of their lives.
As technology is further incorporated into the classroom setting, educators have
the ability to expand children’s learning and enhance their 21st century skills.
When done correctly, educators can use technology as a way to encourage
learning and bring experiences to children in a way that they will embrace, enjoy,
and benefit from for the rest of their lives.