Educ 6810 - Reading and Discussion Week 13

"Keeping in mind the focus of technology integration within pre-service experiences, we begin with professional contexts, environments, and processes. Using technology for professional purposes, such as teaching within a subject area requires content-specialized knowledge." (pg. 136, Avila & Pandya)

I chose this quotes because I feel that it is true.  I feel that this class has prepared me to utilize technology in my classroom.  I feel that this can be considered my content-specialized knowledge.  I have a specialization in mathematics; therefore, I not only need the knowledge to teach my students the basics and the concepts of mathematics, I need to be teaching them the technology skills and literacy skills to utilize technology within the math classroom.

Retrieved from http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&biw=1280&bih=618&tbm=isch&tbnid=aVbP09sP8lGO2M:&imgrefurl=http://www.usm.edu/thinkcenter/technology-in-the-classroom-does-it-belong/&docid=kFw9OclQXbY4gM&imgurl=http://www.usm.edu/thinkcenter/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cartoon...outdated_technology.jpg&w=328&h=260&ei=yvmYUtaWEov7oATYpYDgAw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:13,s:0,i:141&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=181&tbnw=228&start=10&ndsp=20&tx=117.20001220703125&ty=89

I chose this picture because it shows that students in this day and age make sure that they are involved with technology.  They also want to be sure that they are being taught with the knew technology by their teachers.  Therefore, they want to make sure their teachers are in touch with the digital literacies.

1. Why do the authors of this chapter chose to use the term "critical digital literacies" rather than just "digital literacies"?

I feel that they used the term "critical digital literacies" rather than "digital literacies" because digital literacy is such a broad term.  It is much more than just the skills you need to be literate with technology.  One needs the critical and analytic skills to be digitally literate.  Therefore, the authors used the term "critical digital literacies" to motivate those to be critical and analytic.

2. How well did our own teacher education program prepare you to use technology in your teaching practices? Was it more tools based or literacy based?

I feel that I was as prepared as I could be.  I was able to utilize SMART boards, digital tools, and create many lessons based on using technology.  I feel; however, that it was both tools based and literacy based at FSU.

3. What should teachers be thinking about when they engage in critical thinking as it relates to technology use in school?

They need to think about being reflective, critical, and analytic.  For me, I feel that I need to make sure I am correctly educating my students about technology and the correct ways in which they need to utilize it. 

4. On page 149, it is stated that students have certain rights with respect to "critical digital literacies." Do students in your teaching context have these rights? Give an example or non-example of at least one of these rights.

Yes, my students have these rights.  Students are able to use the computer lab for all subjects.  We also have mobile labs that move from classroom to classroom for other subjects.  There is a computer class that allows students to learn about programs and typing. We also need to conduct Tech Steps for them to apply the skills they learn in computer class.

Source:

Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.