Blog 4: Re-write of Blog Post 1

I do believe that Digital Natives exist. These are a group of people that have been brought up in the digital age they can also be referred to as Millennials. It is clear that students today from kindergarten through to university have all grown up or are currently growing up being surrounded by some kind of technology whether that be television, video games or iPads. We are currently living in an age where instant messaging is not only common among younger children but adults as well, the desire to stay connected instantly has become a crucial part of our daily lives. Marc Prensky a writer and speaker on education describes how digital natives think and act differently, he suggest that the brains of people born around this time in the digital age are physically different as a result of technology (Smith, 2012). As they are currently living in a fast paced world, I believe that Prensky has a point. In saying this as Digital Natives prefer to receive their information rather quickly and are good at multitasking. Since they have grown up with images on their screens such as on television, computers or iPads they are mostly visual learners which is why they prefer looking at the graphics and analysing it before reading the text that accompanies the image. Teaching in a Digital Native classroom can be challenging at times as children are constantly distracted by the screens in front of them. According to Kidsmatter.edu 95% of children aged eight to eleven have access to a handheld digital device such as an iPhone, laptop, iPads which allows them to gain access to the  internet. Schools need to be aware of what their students are doing online and in some cases be aware of changes in behaviour, decline in school work and less interaction with their peers ( “ Kids online: The Statistic” , n.d) . However, teaching in a digital native classroom can have benefits as it allows the children to unleash their creative potential and learn about different uses of technology in the classroom, it can also help the students to communicate and connect through a different media platform. Digital Natives will continue to play a key influence on higher education especially in the area of Educational Technology (Smith, 2012).  Even though there has been much speculation and denial on whether or not Digital Natives exists, through the article I have read, the research I have conducted and from what I have observed over the years there is no doubt that Digital Natives do exist and will continue to exist as technology evolves these Digital Natives will continue to evolve with it. 

References:

Smith, E. ( 2012). The Digital Native Debate in Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Recent Literature. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ999218.pdf

Accessed 28/08/2018 

Kids online: The statistics. Retrieved from https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/health-and-community/enewsletter/kids-online-statistics

Accessed 4/ 10/18

Feedback on Blog Post 1 by Ella Richards 

Blog Post 1: Original Critical Reflection 

I do believe that Digital Natives exist. These are a group of people that have been brought up in the digital age they can also be referred to as Millennials. It is clear that students today from kindergarten through to university have all grown up or are currently growing up being surrounded by some kind of technology whether that be television, video games or iPads. We are currently living in an age where instant messaging is not only common among younger children but adults as well, the desire to stay connected instantly has become a crucial part of our daily lives. Marc Prensky a writer and speaker on education describes how digital natives think and act differently, he suggest that the brains of people born around this time in the digital age are physically different as a result of technology (Smith, 2012). As they are currently living in a fast paced world, I believe that Prensky has a point. In saying this as Digital Natives prefer to receive their information rather quickly and are good at multitasking. Since they have grown up with images on their screens such as on television, computers or iPads they are mostly visual learners which is why they prefer looking at the graphics and analysing it before reading the text that accompanies the image As an educator I strongly believe that it is critical for us to continue on teaching young students about technology as it evolves over time. Digital Natives will continue to play a key influence on higher education especially in the area of Educational Technology ( Smith, 2012).  Even though there has been much speculation and denial on whether or not Digital Natives exists, through the article I have read, the research I have conducted and from what I have observed over the years there is no doubt that Digital Natives do exist and will continue to exist as technology evolves these Digital Natives will continue to evolve with it. 

References:

Smith, E. ( 2012). The Digital Native Debate in Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Recent Literature. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ999218.pdf  

Accessed 28/08/2018 

Blog 3: An understanding of how changes in technology impact on the way humans communicate, and the ethical issues that surround these changes

The use of technology in classrooms is becoming more prominent, along with this comes the use of game based learning. Psychologist believe that game based learning is important to the cognitive development of a child and their learning ( Bruce, 2015). Games can provide people with the opportunity for social interaction with other players while enhancing their learning, it is through technology that people are able to used their shared knowledge and relate it in a social and or cultural context with other people. This can also be done in classrooms as well. Technology has made communication between people much easier, Algorithmsor Flowcharts for example have helped us communicate with each other without the need to express our ideas verbally. This can be designed through Pseudocode which is another method of computer programming, using simple English in order to code after programming. As we evolve so does technology and the current impact technology has on us now is has both positively and negatively impacted our lives, the social interactions a person has in the game can also influence them it relates to how a person sees oneself and how others view them purely through the interactions of technology. Unfortunately, technology has also limited face to face interaction with others which can result to a person becoming more hostile and lead to isolation. A person may appear to have a large “following” or number of friends when in reality their companions are fewer than that of their online personality. This can lead to loneliness, depression and the lack of support around the person may make it difficult for them to reach out to anyone ( Negative Effects of Technology on Communication, nd) . Technology can also prove to be a very dangerous distraction with hundreds of people not paying attention to their surroundings due to their handheld devices and not allow them to be present in the moment. It is important to draw the user away from their devices to reduce the number of casualties and improve their way of life overall.   

References

Foundations of Game Based Learning. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00461520.2015.1122533?src=recsys&

Negative Effects of Technology on Communication | Techwalla.com. Retrieved from https://www.techwalla.com/articles/negative-effects-of-technology-on-communication

Blog 2: Why is it important to understand the importance of symbolism of images?

It is important to learn how to read images in order to understand the basics of symbolism images that are used to direct us in day to day life. As a large percentage of the human brain is dedicated to visual processing providing visual content is one of the best ways to keep people engaged and interested especially in today’s society where more and more people are beginning to have short attention spans. As everyone is different and their learning styles vary from each individual, visuals help create a better sense of understanding by providing an image in which is universally understood regardless of learning styles ( “ The Power of Visuals in E-learning”, 2017). It is important to understand symbolism of images as it can also help educate and stimulate young children, it has been proven that images, diagrams and figures as well as other visual methods make the learning process become more fluid. As a pre-service teacher I believe that it is critical that students are learning about symbols at a young age, as I think it can firstly allow them to recognising images and will help them associate that image to a particular scenario or topic. In regards to the image creation for the game, as the game is based around the Solar System and it’s planets the image attached to this post shows what I have created as a part of the game. Created using the website Canva well known graphics design platform, this image has been manipulated slightly and also has included a quote by the well known Theoretical Physicist Stephen Hawking to fit the intended purpose of the game. In terms of education specifically science with regards to the game, I consider imagery to be one of the most powerful tools when it comes to helping the children make sense of complex topics. The images displayed will in turn contribute to the story-telling process which is what ultimately makes science engaging and fun for the children.  

                ( Designed by Clarissa Chia. Created through Canva - https://www.canva.com) 

References:

Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.canva.com

Accessed date: 5/09/2018

The Power Of Visuals In E-Learning. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.digitalistmag.com/future-of-work/2017/05/02/power-of-visuals-in-e-learning-05055130

Accessed date: 5/09/2018

Blog 1: Do Digital Natives Exist?

I do believe that Digital Natives exist. These are a group of people that have been brought up in the digital age they can also be referred to as Millennials. It is clear that students today from kindergarten through to university have all grown up or are currently growing up being surrounded by some kind of technology whether that be television, video games or iPads. We are currently living in an age where instant messaging is not only common among younger children but adults as well, the desire to stay connected instantly has become a crucial part of our daily lives. Marc Prensky a writer and speaker on education describes how digital natives think and act differently, he suggest that the brains of people born around this time in the digital age are physically different as a result of technology (Smith, 2012). As they are currently living in a fast paced world, I believe that Prensky has a point. In saying this as Digital Natives prefer to receive their information rather quickly and are good at multitasking. Since they have grown up with images on their screens such as on television, computers or iPads they are mostly visual learners which is why they prefer looking at the graphics and analysing it before reading the text that accompanies the image As an educator I strongly believe that it is critical for us to continue on teaching young students about technology as it evolves over time. Digital Natives will continue to play a key influence on higher education especially in the area of Educational Technology ( Smith, 2012).  Even though there has been much speculation and denial on whether or not Digital Natives exists, through the article I have read, the research I have conducted and from what I have observed over the years there is no doubt that Digital Natives do exist and will continue to exist as technology evolves these Digital Natives will continue to evolve with it. 

References:

Smith, E. ( 2012). The Digital Native Debate in Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Recent Literature. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ999218.pdf

Accessed 28/08/2018 

Introduction and Purpose

My name is Clarissa Chia, I am a pre-service teacher currently in my second year at university. Born in Malaysia, I moved to Australia in 2010. During High school I studied Film and Television for three years. I enjoy surrounding myself with creative people, I have grown up with a passion for the creative arts travelling to New York with my family every alternate year to watch a variety of Broadway shows as well as supporting local theatres and productions in and around Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The main purpose of this blog is used as a reflective platform. This blog will explore and respond to provocations regarding technology, more specifically the impact of technology and ethical issues. Each of the blog post will explore four separate issues regarding the use of technology, it will reflect on the Driving Question of the week and include a response to the question. It is important to note that all the blog posts housed on this site is authentic and contains my own work and research. Except where appropriately referenced.