Learning in a Digital World

Learning in a Digital World

Over the course of my life I have seen the field of education change. As a student I remember when computers became part of the curriculum with limited use, due to accessibility. I remember not using a word processor but a type writer when typing papers. I also remember school being an individual experience; collaboration and cooperative groups were not the norm. So, education today is drastically different from the education of my childhood. Today‘s educational philosophies must include students use of technology, collaboration, and take into account the global citizenship of learners. Also in developing a philosophy we must also recognize that as society, technology, and expectations change; so, should our educational philosophy.

As an educator I believe that educators should always focus on what is important for students to be successful in the academic world and in society. This encompasses all aspects of a child: social, emotional, and academic. Today the social, emotional, and academic aspects of students also include technology. So, as an educator I must prepare my students for face-to-face interactions but also for online encounters. I first had to become more aware of technology myself. By preparing myself and becoming more knowledgeable about the technologies. It allowed my understanding to be transferred to my students. Just 2 years ago I was a technology novice, but now with every day I learn more about technology; Keller explains this growth process in his ARCS (attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction).  I have also found that Emotional Intelligence is useful in the field of education.  All students have emotions and when using technology students’ emotions can be impacted by: (1) lack of technology experience, (2) lack of understanding how to use technology, (3) and not having access to technology outside of school (those feeling inferior).  Through this process I have had to help my students learn how to handle their emotions and understand the things they can control and the things they can’t. I have made sure that parents and students know how they can access technology before or after school. Although education has changed throughout the years there remains the same goal: to prepare our students to be successful contributors to society.