3 - Trending: A brand new world

A brand new world

- a trend influencing education -

Identifying the trend

New technologies have changed the way we communicate, work and even socialise and they have the potential to revolutionise our lives.

We are connected to the world from the comfort of our own home and with a touch of a button can control our lives.

Education is rapidly changing to keep up with this trend and it is important that it is controlled and managed to utilise its benefits.

Relevance of the trend

In my third year of teacher, I cannot imagine teaching without the use of technology. I am constantly looking for innovative and exciting ways to incorporate new technologies into my teaching and learning.

It captivated my attention as it is so relevant and an issue that I face day to day.

It is an ever evolving trend that is developing at a rate faster than we can keep up with but it is an important trend not let get the better of us in education.

My learners are all equipped with a range of technology and I believe it is part of my role to educate them with the skills they need to adapt with the change and development of technology.

Analyse

• Statistics
• Observations
• Influence

Statistics - it can only get bigger

The amount of time people spend online continues to increase every year. Children who are able to use devices are younger and teenagers are more connected than ever to social media and other online apps.

In a week, statistics show that more than one day is spent on media and most of the time people are connected to multiple technologies. For example, watching TV and on their smartphone.

In my classroom, students have more than one device and I would use technology in the majority of my lessons. This may include students working on their own devices or myself showing the students learning online.

Observations in my classroom

Influence on education

Technology has a huge influence on education today, it has become an integrated part of our teaching and learning.

Our students all want the latest and greatest and are all connected online in many ways.

We also have the advantage of providing education for students around cyber safety and how they can utilize technology in the best way it can be.

Critique and evaluation

With technology becoming the norm in everyday life and activities it is vital that we support our students to equip them adequately to cope with the future developments. 

The New Zealand education system has an important role in providing students with the skills use to be able to adapt and use technologies. With every positive technology use has there is also negative effects of this. The diagram below illustrates this clearly. 

Technology provides many opportunities to enhance learning for our students and often a much easier and instant response to daily activities and connections. However, equally there are risks involved when allowing ourselves to be exposed to technology.

As educations we need to be aware of these risk and challenges, therefore plan accordingly to minimise these while also bringing some risks to the students attention. This allows the students to manage these risks and protect themselves.

The New Zealand curriculum allows the teacher to incorporate technology into their teacher while the Key Competencies supports in managing risks involved.

It is important to collaborate with others to ensure together students are getting the same information around only safety but also the sharing of ideas to enhance student learning and the currently trend in New Zealand.

References

Education Review Office. (2012). Evaluation at a Glance: Priority Learners in New Zealand Schools. Retrieved 18 May 2016, from http://www.ero.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Evaluation-at-a-Glance-Priority-Learners-in-New-Zealand-Schools-August-2012.pdf

OECD. (2016). Trends Shaping Education 2016, OECD Publishing, Paris. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/trends_edu-2016-en