What is a 21st century teacher? There are many different concepts throughout this chapter to help you understand what a 21st century teacher is, and how to become one. I have chosen three concepts to further reflect upon.
1.) Media usage by age groups.
2.) Strategies for learning new technologies.
3.) Your digital identity
While reading chapter one I came across a table showing the different media types and the usage of each for different age groups. I was a little surprised to see what age groups used what technology the most. This table has showed me what types of media/technology should be used to help teach each age group. With this information you can customize your lessons around what media/ technology your students are using. This allows you to encourage students to not only learn at school, but to continue learning outside of school. Using the media/technology to engage your students keeps them interested and active within your class.
Another interesting point made, was the different strategies that can be used to learn new technologies. An example would be incorporating a smartphone app in your lessons, such as a language app. You could have students find out how to say a word in 5 different languages. By adding new and different technologies in your class you are not only learning yourself, but your students find new ways of learning. With new technologies you are able to keep in contact with students and even parents during and after school hours. You can implement these strategies through homework and keep the children learning outside of school as well. Technology is always changing and by adding new strategies and technology to your class, you will not fall far behind.
A major concept in this chapter is your digital identity. As a new teacher I believe this is the most important part of starting out. You need to be able to evaluate yourself and reinvent yourself if needed. When technology changes you need to be ready to change your teaching strategies. You will need to add these new technologies into your lessons, to show your students how to properly use them. An example would be to create a website where students can ask questions and communicate with each other and yourself. When you create websites, blogs, and post videos you are showing your digital identity. Your digital identity shows you are able to incorporate new and old technologies into your classrooms.
I have added a youtube video that I found about nurturing and creating a positive digital identity. This video was created by Alanna King on August 25, 2012. The video expresses the importance of your digital identity and how it can effect your teaching skills as well as your students.
Resources:
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Alanna, K. (n.d.). Nurturing your digital identity. YouTube. Retrieved August 25, 2014, from http://youtu.be/8lVjR9iNdhE
