“The NMC Horizon Report: 2015 K-12 Edition examines emerging technologies for their potential impact on and use in teaching, learning, and creative inquiry in schools” (NMC Horizon Report, 2015, p. 2). This report outlines the six key trends Accelerating Technology Adoption in K-12 education, the significant challenges impending adoption and, lastly, the important developments in educational technology. Technology within schools has increased exponentially within the last decade in forms such as smartboards, ‘bring your own devices’ such as laptops, IPads and tablets, and educational programs and apps. This growth poses some concerns that impact students such as cyberbullying and online harassment. My experience with technological devices throughout my primary schooling was limited, nevertheless, students had access to a computer lab and teachers utilised a smartboard which was introduced in 2009. In high school, my year group was provided a laptop each which was optional to use in class to type notes. The majority of students in 2017 provide and use some form of technological device in the classroom.
Schools must utilise technology as a valuable tool and resource to create authentic learning opportunities for students. The power of technology has altered the way people learn (Wakefield, 2015) which is why schools and teachers must consistently apply a strong focus on using and teaching technology within all learning areas. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority identifies seven general capabilities. One of the most important capabilities is Information and Communication technology. This highlights Australia’s recognition of the importance for students in becoming competent and capable technologically, especially as the world moves ever closer towards total digital reliance. According to ACARAeduau, 2014, the NMC Horizon Report discusses a significant challenge impeding adoption which is, ‘integrating technology in teacher education’. This solvable challenge demonstrates the need for teachers to equip themselves with the skills and resources needed to prepare students for an ever evolving world of technology. Professional development and training must be made available for teachers, including resources and explanations. The use of technology is extremely accessible and portable for all student ages. At both school and home students have little relief from the digital world, which exposes them to associated risks including cyberbullying and online harassment. Cyberbullying and online harassment affects not only students but also parents, teachers and other educators, which creates a challenging issue for schools (Marees and Petermann, 2012). When I went on my Immersion Practicum I discovered that schools have strong bullying policies that address cyberbullying, which helps minimise or prevent bullying due to a collective whole school approach. Teachers have a vital role to play in educating students about positive and safe online behaviour to prevent cyberbullying from occurring (Cassidy, Brown & Jackson, 2012). Cyberbullying is defined as wilful, deliberate and repetitive harm caused via a technological device such as a computer or mobile phone. This, as a result, may cause psychological, emotional, and physical trauma. I believe teachers and parents should continually monitor usage, and put suitable and appropriate barriers in place to minimise the risk that cyberbullying may cause. It is important for students to have freedom and explore the vast amounts of information and technological programs, however teachers must create a safe learning environment for all students by implementing restrictions. Children born into generation Y have not known a world without technology, furthermore they are known as ‘digital natives’ (Bennett & Maton, 2010). For teachers to be able to keep up with the new trends of technology and cater for a range of abilities they must consistently broaden their ‘tool box’ of Information Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge (NewMediaConsortium, 2015). When I was on my practicum school experience I observed students using a range of educational apps and games to further understand a subject. The majority of the time students independently worked out how to get onto the app and use it before the teacher had given instructions. As a pre-service teacher my goal will be to use technology in an innovative and abstract way to further the learning of my students within all subject areas. The NMC Horizon Report (2015) examines the importance of technology within schools and considers how teachers can make the teaching of Information Technology engaging and educational across all subject areas. It highlights that it is incredibly important for all students to become confident when using technology as the world is rapidly moving towards a highly technologically environment. This means a teacher needs to equip students with the correct skills and knowledge to be able to safely function in society. For that reason, I am overwhelmed with excitement to learn and develop my ICT skills further, and to be able to use them in an effective way to provide interesting educational learning opportunities for my students. References: ACARAeduau. (2014, April 2). Digital Technologies: An Introduction [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMUkJ3qLoVw&feature=youtu.be Bennett, S. & Maton, K. (2010) Beyond the 'digital natives' debate: Towards a more nuanced understanding of students' technology experiences. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(5), 321-331. Brown, A. H. (2015). Securing the Connected Classroom: Technolog planning to keep students safe ISTE. Cassidy, W., Brown, K., & Jackson, M. (2012). ‘Under the radar’: Educators and cyberbullying in schools. Schools Psychology International, 33(5), 520-532. Doi:10.1177/0143034312445245 NewMediaConsortium. (2015, June 27). NMC Horizon Report: 2015 K-12 Edition [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSV0Mf4tBOQ NMC Horizon Report. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.nmc.org/publication/nmc-horizon-report-2015-k-12-edition/ von Marées, N., & Petermann, F. (2012). Cyberbullying: An increasing challenge for schools. School Psychology International, 33(5), 467-476. doi:10.1177/0143034312445241 Wakefield, J. (2015). Technology in schools: Future changes in classrooms. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30814302
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