When I was younger, I remember that finding information out about a particular topic or item of interest involved taking a trip to the local library to use the computer, or lookup relevant books. There were 3 computers available to use at my school but you were allowed no more than 30 minutes at a time to do research.
These days searching for information is much quicker as often it is available at your fingertips through the use of Smart phones, Tablets and Laptops. While some may believe the use of technology reduces the development of more basic skills such as handwriting and mental maths, I do think that introducing children to technology now prepares them better for the digital world they are entering.
How do you believe technology has changed the way education is presented to younger generations?
Leask, M and Burden, K (2015). Teaching and Learning with ICT in the Primary School. 2nd Edition. New York. Routledge
Although there are many beneficial factors to technology in a class room the significant amount of libraries that are closing due to lack of necessity is continuously rising. (Flood, A 2016) According to Michael Orey, Stephanie Jones and Robert Branch (2012) this is denying students access to resources and social interaction that would normally occur when visiting the library.
ReplyDeleteShould we still be encouraging children to use the library as opposed to using technology?
Flood, A. (2016) Library usage falls significantly as services shrink, the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/10/library-usage-falls-dramatically-services-visits-down-40m (Accessed: 4 November 2016).
Orey, M., Jones, S. and Branch, R. (2012) Educational media and technology yearbook. New York: Springer.
I think the problem with encouraging children to use more traditional methods is trying to discourage how easy it is to locate resources online. 15 years ago you would have struggled to find books and journals using the internet, now schools and universities often refer you to online resources in-order to complete any work required.
ReplyDeleteKay Johnson and Elaine Magusin are just a couple of authors that have looked at the change from physical to digital resource and looked how the importance of making libraries available on line is helping both children and practitioners develop.
Johnson, K & Magusin, E (2009). Exploring the Digital Library: A Guide for Online Teaching and Learning. San Francisco. John Wiley & Sons.
From my experience, being a student and observing young children in the education sector, I believe that achieving a balance is fundamental. Therefore in order to maximise learning for all students, the use of different sources for different types of learners is pivotal. These ideas are replicated through this online book, but the benefits of using the knowledge and skills of the librarian to enhance learning.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.stevendkrause.com/tprw/Chapter%202.pdf