Week 13 Reading

“Not surprisingly, technology instruction has become a component of the vast majority of teacher preparation programs, in recognition of the need for pre-service teachers to be prepared to teach and to live in a digital society.”

When I was in my undergrad program, I learned a lot about technology uses and how to incorporate them into my teaching.  I continued to learn of different ways as I went on to get my master’s degree.  I realize technology has become a part of our world and kids are around various forms on a daily basis.  My concern is that we will soon let technology consume us to the point that we do not know how education came about.  I feel that we need to also know how to teach kids basics and to live without technology because, unfortunately, technology may not be available everywhere. 

 

This is an image that address a topic mentioned within the chapter "TPACK." I feel that I learned a lot of concepts within the diagram during my education study. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.       Why do the authors of this chapter chose to use the term "critical digital literacies" rather than just "digital literacies"

The authors want to enforce the idea that we need to understand and engage with the contexts of technology.  Instead of focusing on the importance of technology, we should be aware of how to use it and develop skills necessary for implementation. 

2.       How well did our own teacher education program prepare you to use technology in your teaching practices? Was it more tools based or literacy based?

I would say the teacher education program was a balance of both tools and literacy.  We read a lot of articles of different technologies and we also used different programs to develop projects like digital stories and lesson plan’s using a WebQuest.  I feel I have learned of the many options I have and can choose what would apply to my math classes. 

3.       What should  teachers be thinking about when they engage in critical thinking as it relates to technology use in school?

We as teachers should be thinking of the social, cultural, and historical contexts of the technology use in school.  Basically I see that I need to make sure I use the technology in the right manner and ensure the kids know how to use it appropriately. 

4.       On page 149, it is stated that students have certain rights with respect to "critical digital literacies." Do students in your teaching context have these rights? Give an example or non-example of at least one of these rights.

Yes students in my teaching context has these rights.  My students use technologies such as laptops and iPads in order to conduct research for the “Innovation Zone” in which they are learning.