╭────────────────────────────────»»❀❀❀««────────────────────────────────╮
Welcome everyone,
In our lecture this week, Introduction to the Digital World, we had the ability to explore the different ways in which our modern-day technologies have evolved. Messages that once took weeks to arrive – through the form of mailing systems – now can be sent and received in a matter of seconds through online portals such as iMessage or Gmail. Telephone calls that once were stationary – through the form of a landline – can now be made anywhere… from places such as the middle of a deserted grid road or the washroom. These changes, especially in the content and tools that we use, have led to an evolution in relationships. To specifically pinpoint this evolution in relationship, we must look to the technological advancement of social media.
As noted by Michael Wesch in his video, An Anthropological Introduction to YouTube, social media is the new way of creating community. Social media is not just about information, but “it is actually about linking people and it is about linking people in ways we have never been linked before,”. Through the lens of a future educator, with hopes of building community within a classroom, this would mean that we should be taking more digital approaches within our classrooms to better keep in tune with relevant practices. An attempt I have seen at this is through the Minecraft Education programs on school computers.
It is tricky to answer what this might mean for schools in general going forward. Similar to other scenarios, if we want to keep our teachings and content in line with the ever-evolving digital landscape, we must practice adaptability and innovation. Rethinking the idea of schooling and education in our networked, participatory, and digital world requires a shift in pedagogy towards a more dynamic and interactive approach. This entails bringing digital literacy, critical thinking, and collaboration skills into the curriculum to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
However, balancing the challenges of our new digital reality with its possibilities is not always the easiest task. While digital technologies offer a huge potential for enhancing learning experiences, they also bring forward concerns regarding privacy, online safety, and the digital divide. Educators must navigate these challenges by promoting a culture of responsible digital citizenship and providing guidance on navigating the digital world ethically and safely.
Thank you so much for reading,
Emma
╰────────────────────────────────»»❀❀❀««────────────────────────────────╯