When I read the background and rationale of Module 6: New and Traditional Media from Media and Information Literacy the first thing that came to my mind was "out with the old, in with the new". Traditional media has been around forever; newspaper, television and radio have been part of us, our parents and grandparents lives. It has been the way all of us have heard or found out of something important. We have been addicted to one of them at least, and know, in a sudden wink, everything changed. For older generations, it has been a huge challenge to update their knowledge and change their ways from their usual traditional media to new media. Some people decide to stick to the old and easy but others have no choice. For me, it has been a must. As a teacher, new media provides amazing tools to teach children everything, from letters and colors to current world events and social skills. The challenge for me as a teacher, with this constant change, has been preparing myself, learning how to use and apply new media to my teaching, my daily tasks and over all, my lifestyle. I teach kindergarten so its the best moment for me to introduce to this new generation many skills that will eventually allow them to have the abilities to be global citizens as well as to be information and visual literate people.
All of this might seem overwhelming, as I have mentioned on each of my posts before, but when done slowly and thoroughly, changes like browsing the web for world news instead of reading a newspaper, feel good. We need to be also aware that we cannot participate in all of mass media changes. We need to understand that not all of what it is produce its intended for us, for the children in our classrooms. We still need to campare and contrast information available to select what we truly need. Not all of the apps available simplify our lives. Not all the information and news out there are true. I believe that sometimes going back to basics its not so bad, but I also know sometimes leaving a comfort zone can take you to incredible places and can help you make the best out of you, so, HELLO NEW!!!
Mariana,
ReplyDeleteI think teaching kindergarten kids how to use new technology is very important. The kids will be using these resources for the rest of their lives, and so it's definitely a skill they need to possess.
I agree that sometimes it's "easier" to just stick to what you know, but with ever-changing technologies, and information (Plato is not a planet anymore?!?! whaaat?!) we as teachers need to continue learning.
I liked your thought about integrating technology slowly and thoroughly. It is important as teachers not to get overwhelmed. We need to understand the programs and ideas that we want to use or teach to our students. This is also an important time for our students to help each other and to also teach us when we aren't sure. After all, they are the ones who were born into this technological world!!!
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