How do we help our students become more involved in digital technology.

In a previous blog post I discussed Computation thinking. This got me thinking about my role and what this means for teachers and schools.

Digital Technologies will be implemented as part of our national curriculum in 2020. We will be teaching students to become creators of digital technology as opposed to simply users and consumers of digital technology. The focus of digital technologies is to better prepare students for their future.

It is impossible to hide from this change. We need to focus on the fact that technology has helped us to mange information faster than we have previously been able to. Having faster access to simple things like maps and address books alone has significant benefits. As teachers we need to find ways to make sure our students are more involved in creating and innovation with technology as opposed to simply consuming technology. Here are some ideas of what we can do to assist growth:

• Real in time learning where students are working collaboratively on a doc.
• sharing devices and a commitment to being creative.
• Embracing the global aspect of the digital world through wider connectivity.
• learning to use all the functionality of a device, rather than the simple basic functions.
• consider user needs and create next steps so they are able to increase ideas and knowledge related to digital technology.
• we need to guide students to search constructively.

Teaching is all about pathways and we want what is best for our students. This involves discovering the new aspects of digital technology and helping students create safe and innovative pathways that embrace this. The use of technology involves challenges. With careful consideration and planning we can assist students to have greater skills and be better prepared for their futures.