Above image retrieved from: httpswww.theguardian.comsocial-enterprise-network2013aug02young-people-fluent-digital
See attached link for MY PREZI on “Digital Fluency”
Many people automatically assume that young children are the most digitally fluent, and to an extent this may be true, as MacManus (2013) points out,
“Much has been written about our young people being “digital natives” – the first generation to grow up embedded in new technology. They have spent their entire lives surrounded by and using computers and other digital devices. Computer games, email, the internet, mobile phones and social media are integral parts of their lives.”
And yes children born into this digital age do grow up surrounded by and emerged in so much technology that they are able to complete many functions almost automatically, compared to older students or adults. While children may seem experts at various devices and proficient in gaming, it is important to remember that gaming is just one of two types of digital literacy.
So what does it mean to be digitally fluent? Well digital fluency refers to the ability to use digital technologies proficiently with the necessary set of skills, enabling the user to confidently and competently complete tasks. This however, requires exposure, frequent practice and experience. Howell, (2012, p. 139) describes digital fluency as having a sound grounding in the basics and moving towards developing proficiency in key programs and more complex digital technologies.
To achieve or work towards digital fluency, students need to be exposed to rich learning opportunities that engage with relevant and motivating digital technology. Students require opportunities that will help them to build on their current skills and expose them to a wide range of technology tools. In her text Howell, (2012 pp. 134 -135) discusses the application of the Technology and Play Framework and how it is used in schools to do just that. The framework consists of 3 aspects, Creative activity, Experimental activity and Purposeful activity where learners engage in moving through each phase of learning to scaffold their understanding of the different types of technologies and application.
Image retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2015/08/18/digital-technology-is-a-game-changer-for-education-worldwide/#2bd1aad4d160
It is important to remember that digital technology is here to stay and constantly changing and evolving. Therefore as educators it is our responsibility to educate and update our own skills in order to be able to apply our knowledge in the classroom and engage students with an appropriate range of technology. As Goodwin (2016, p. 230) discusses in her book, “digital technology aides children’s development in their digital world, when we as educators “leverage technology to support children’s learning”.
References
Barback, J. (2016, August). Building digital technology into the curriculum: master stroke or missed opportunity? Education Review Series. Retrieved from: http://www.educationreview.co.nz/magazine/august-2016/building-digital-technology-into-the-curriculum-master-stroke-or-missed-opportunity/#.WAKvKuh97IU
Goodwin, K. (2016). Raising your child in a digital world, finding a healthy balance of time online without techno tantrums and conflict. Warriewood, NSW: Finch Publishing.
Howell, J. (2012). Teaching with ICT digital pedagogies for collaboration and creativity. South Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
Laurance, J. (2012, January, 6). Technology could lead to over-stimulation in kids. Education News. Retrieved from: http://www.educationnews.org/parenting/technology-could-lead-to-overstimulation-in-kids/
MacManus, S. (2013, August, 2). Getting young people fluent in digital. The Guardian. Australian Edition. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/social-enterprise- network/2013/aug/02/young-people-fluent-digital
Ward, J. (2015, August, 18). Digital technology is a game changer for education worldwide. Forbes. Retreived from: Concentrix. (n.d). Retrieved from: http://minacs.com/blogs/post/1929/digital-convergence-and-how-it-s-changing-technical-support-part-1
Site Title 