BC’s Digital Literacy Framework (draft) defines digital literacy as “the interest, attitude, and ability of the individual to use digital technology and communication tools to access, manage, integrate, analyze, and evaluate information, construct new knowledge, and create and communicate with others”.  The following is a list of skills that I think are necessary to participate in today’s society.

– ability to locate and use information

– ability to judge the reliability of information

– ability to interact and understand the norms within various online spaces

– ability to appropriate and remix content in a meaningful way

– ability to create online media

– ability to multi-task

Our job as educators is to ensure that we are exposing students to digital literacy and preparing them for a world that is changing rapidly.  The truly humbling thing about digital literacy is that you will never know it all.  I have accepted the fact that by the time I master one form of social media or communication application, hundreds of improved or more popular variations will already be on the market.  And I’m ok with that.  🙂

For me, the only way to keep from getting completely overwhelmed, is to decide what is truly necessary for my teaching and daily life.  Rather than dabble in multiple communication forms, I prefer to master just one or two.  As a grade 6/7 teacher, Twitter is not for me.  I can see its merits but it isn’t filling a gap in my teaching practice.  The same goes with Facebook.  I prefer to remain somewhat anonymous on the web as I’ve heard too many stories of teachers crossing the line.  I also have to be very careful about privacy issues with my students.  My class website purposely does not list our school name and I do not post pictures of students.  Within our closed classroom community on Edmodo, I am able to post student pictures and work and freely discuss our school.  It is probably quite different in high school, but in the elementary system I feel an obligation to keep my students safe.

On a regular basis, I like to browse the “communities” on Edmodo to see what’s new in the world of education and technology.  I will often do a search for the latest and greatest education apps and in this way, I’ve discovered numerous invaluable teaching tools.  I do feel I need to simplify for the sake of my sanity.  I already organize useful information on Pinterest and in my Edmodo library, therefore a tool like Pearl Trees is somewhat redundant for me.  It has been really great to hear about all these different applications and tools this week.  I especially love learning how other educators are using technology in their classrooms.

I was feeling quite bogged down with definitions and what we had covered in class today.  Somehow my research took me on a tangent that I quite enjoyed.  I am a really practical person and I’m always looking for practical applications to my teaching.  I want to walk away with someone useful that I can immediately apply in my class.  I watched a series of videos with Marc Prensky on YouTube and really liked what he had to say.  Without being too heavy on theory, Marc breaks down the importance of ICT in the classroom, the role of the teacher, and future trends; essentially, thoughts to guide one’s teaching.  The first video was titled “Technology and the Quest for Digital Wisdom” found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnJzMIOdbxU.  Here Marc explains how technology has completely changed our world and how we, as educators, must adapt.  He urges teachers to revolutionize their classrooms by listening carefully to kids’ thoughts, needs, and passions and then tailoring instruction to these things.  How true this is.  We need to spend more time listening to what kids are interested in.  Our teaching should follow their passions and interests if we truly want kids to be engaged and excited about learning.  Just as Richardson pointed out in “Why School?”, his son instinctively sought out help and answers in an attempt to master the Minecraft game because it was something he was truly engaged with.

In “What is the Role of the Teacher in Today’s World?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MpzcjhY_wI), Marc argues that our role has changed from being the givers of information to being partners, coaches, and guides.  By asking the right questions, providing context and quality control we can set kids on a path of discovery.  He points out that in the digital world, we are all teachers, and we are all learners.  This is especially true of teachers and ICT.  Every day I learn something new from my kids – they often run up to teach me computer shortcuts and they definitely master online games more quickly than I do.  Not everyone may be comfortable with this, but I think that we must be humble and accept help from our classes of “digital natives”.  Teachers must be brave with technology and ambitious for our kids.  If we set the bar high, kids will reach for it.

Finally, in “What’s Going to Happen Next in Education?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2owmNhAbSA), Marc points out how kids can teach themselves because the world’s resources are at their fingertips.  Motivated students need just a bit of guidance and schools should provide that motivation to get students learning on their own. Technology should make education more affordable and accessible as formal and informal sides of learning are merging.  Anyone can learn from anyone, anywhere.  Now, more than ever, we are in an age of learning and discovery.