Task: Using your readings and interaction with the subject to date, develop a statement about your current knowledge and understanding of concepts and practices in digital literature environments, tools and uses, within the context of your work or professional circumstances.
I like to consider myself fairly capable when it comes to digital technology and am committed to using technology in my teaching programs. I feel strongly that students should be taught how to use technology in a thoughtful, critical and reflective way – for purposes that will add to the good being done in the world. It always feels like a contentious issue amongst staff though – many with the view that the less ‘screens’ children have, the better they will be. In one sense, I agree with this. There are not many things that can beat the learning that comes with unstructured, child led play and immersing oneself in a book where imagination is a key ingredient to building images in your mind.
However, it is our responsibility as educators to prepare our students for the world they will encounter and live in – and technology is a big part of that. It would be ignorant to ignore that the landscape of literature has changed and evolved since the emergence of technology. (Harjono & Wiryotinoyo, 2021) describe such benefits of digital literature as strengthening student comprehension, engagement and motivation. (Sandy & Suryaningtyas, 2022) bring balance to these benefits by explaining their research findings that the best outcomes occur when digital learning and traditional learning are negotiated so students have access to equal exposure of both. This resonates with my own views that even though digital literature offers many benefits, it does not negate the needs for traditional learning experiences.
As a teacher, I feel that my skills in creating my own digital stories are lacking and I am looking forward to growing in my skill base in this. One of the challenges I have faced in the past is the time required to build skills in this area; as understanding and learning how to drive technology can be time consuming. However; it is a priority and time needs to be set aside to learn, hence it being one of my key priorities for professional development in the next 6 months.
I am looking forward to engaging with this subject and the learning that will occur.
References:
Harjono, H. S., & Wiryotinoyo, M. (2021, August 26). Exploring the Benefits of Digital Storytelling for Enhancing Teaching and Learning. Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/aer.k.210825.047
Sandy, F., & Suryaningtyas, A. A. (2022). Research Takeaways: The Benefits of Digital Literacy in the Early and Middle. Jurnal Ilmiah Media, Public Relations, Dan Komunikasi (IMPRESI), 3(2), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.20961/impresi.v3i2.71427.g39691