In my opinion, I think that for practitioners to incorporate
the concept of ICT within their classroom, it is important for them to have a
sound sense of knowledge and have developed a good understanding on how to the
technology. For children to understand and use the technology correctly,
practitioners should be required to attend training sessions to develop these
skills and become confident users of technology so that they can enhance a
child’s learning experiences by being trained to use these different
technological devices.
While various modes and mediums of technology such as iPads
and the Interactive Whiteboards are simple and convenient to use in the
classroom, most practitioners are apprehensive about using them, although
training has been provided. In a piece of research into the confidence and
competence of practitioners’ use of technology in the Early Years Foundation
Stage, Marsh (2005) discovered that there was a lack of confidence. This came
as the result of the level of confidence. This demonstrates that practitioners
are not competent users of technology and therefore, this can have a
substantial impact on the learning experiences of the pupils as practitioners
will be unable to demonstrate how the technology is used.
However, we must consider the skills and mindset of the
younger generation who recently have or plan to become involved in the teaching
profession. As technology within the classroom is a recent occurrence and there
has been a rapid advancement of technology over the years, newly qualified
teachers are at an advantage of having the opportunity to acquire the skills
and confidence within their initial training. This enables them to operate the
technology and enhance the learning, not of their pupils, but also possibly the
older generation of the teaching profession when it is required. (Aubrey &
Dahl, 2014)
Aubrey, C. & Dahl, S. (2014) ‘The Confidence and
Competence in Information and Communication Technologies of Practitioners,
Parents and Young Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ Journal of International Research &
Development. Vol. 34 (1), pp.94-108
I agree, teachers should know how to use all of the technology that is provided for them so the children can get the best outcome in education. Teachers coming into the profession will be learning new ways on how to use the technology, therefore I agree, they will be able to show the older generation in the profession their skills (Aubrey & Dahl, 2014).
ReplyDeleteAubrey, C. & Dahl, S. (2014) ‘The Confidence and Competence in Information and Communication Technologies of Practitioners, Parents and Young Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ Journal of International Research & Development. Vol. 34 (1), pp.94-108
The simple theory is, technology can’t operate without the teachers, and the teachers will soon not be able to teach without technology. Therefore for future children’s best interests it is vital that teachers cooperate with new training and skills with the assurance that technology will never be able to take over education completely.
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