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Purposeful Technology-Constructing Meaning in 21st Century Schools Home 21st Century Skills Lesson Rational and Connection to CCSS Creating Digital Citizens What is Digital Literacy? Why is Digital Literacy Important? How Can we Embed Digital Literacy in the Classroom? Digital Citizenship Lesson EDUC 536 Final Portfolio and Reflection Images from various 21st Century classrooms! The last 8 weeks have proven to be eye-opening, thought provoking, intriguing and engaging as I have learned about the use of technology in the classroom. My peers have helped to expose me to a wide range of digital media that I did not even know existed. We debated the merits and benefits of using technology, as well as the possible perils and pitfalls that can result from overuse or misuse. While not a huge fan of blogging, I did enjoy each week logging in to read what my peers were thinking about our class topics. We read and viewed a wide range of books, articles, and videos! It is always interesting to read another’s perspective and take away an important point or thought that did not occur to me. To me this demonstrates the possible power of technology on one’s learning process! In my first blog during our first class, I wrote that I wanted to know what Digital Citizenship was. I now feel as if I have learned a great deal about its components and the importance of embedding them in our daily lessons. It is refreshing to see that many of us are beginning to heed the call to bring about some reform in our own schools regarding the use of technology and exposing our students to a great many ways to construct knowledge of grade level topics. Summarized by North Central Regional Education Laboratories- EnGauge project, released 12/2001. I thought prior to this class that I did a pretty good job integrating technology in my classroom. I used my interactive whiteboard daily last year to engage my students in lessons regarding letter recognition, letter sounds, counting and problem solving. The students played educational games online and read ebooks with a friend. We explored websites together to learn about plants, animals and the seasons. This year, I will continue to do all those things, but I have realized that I need to step up my use of technology and bring my students to the next level. I will accomplish this by utilizing multi-media presentation programs such as Storybird, Little Bird Tales, Prezi , and Lino It to name but a few. Exposing my students to these multi-media programs will empower them to utilize 21st Century Skills in a way meaningful to them to showcase their learning. With guidance and supervision, I can now see that students as young as 5 and 6 can use technology to communicate to their teachers, parents and peers. The possibilities are endless in regards to the stories they can create, the information they can share and will motivate the students in their learning! The 21st century classroom is all around us! Exploring Digital Citizenship opened my eyes to how far school systems have come in their use of technology, but provided a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go. Teenagers today are a perfect example of the need and importance of teaching Digital Citizenship in schools. Parents and teachers need to become partners in imparting morals and values in children that will transcend to their using the internet safely, wisely, respectfully and responsibly. With laws and regulations to protect victims of cyber bullying, schools and administrators in dealing with technology misuse, and victims of computer hacking and misuse then hopefully schools will begin to feel empowered to utilize technology in greater, more meaningful ways. Unfortunately without protections, school systems and teachers are hesitant to jump on the technology in schools bandwagon. Integrating the elements of Digital Citizenship into district curriculum will, along with support from parents and lawmakers educate our students to be socially responsible and respectful in regards to their technology use. As an added bonus, it will help these 21st century learners be responsible and respectful citizens of the world! "Video uploaded by ArmadilloCreative on Jun 29, 2009 - YouTube : http://www.armadillo-creative.com - A short animation looking at the technological and social changes that have happened in recent years, each change affects the way we interact not only with each other but the world in which we live... how do you survive and adapt?" Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Get...