Reflection Essay 25/10/2023

    During Dr Lina's week 4 lecture, we explored the vast world of European framework for digital competency in educators. I learnt throughout the lecture that the digital competence of educators was encompassed by professional engagement, the use of digital resources, teaching and learning, assessment, empowering learners, and facilitating learners' digital competency. We also talked about the differences between equality, equity and inclusion.

    Participating in the lecture and tutorial made me feel enthusiastic about how significant digital competency in the the world of educators. I think it made me understand that all educators, regardless of age and generation, should be educate on the digital competency in schools. Teacher should be well-equipped with digital skills to effectively engage and empower students in the digital age. The tutorial activity made me happy because I was able to improve my collaborating skills with my peers and learn more about their skillset in terms of digital knowledge. The video I made is attached below. I chose to make something funny because I think its important to learn how to let loose and that being serious 24/7 is not sustainable to our mental health. Making the video edit made me reminisce about my high school hobby of making and editing vlogs via iMovie or learning about computers in ICT classes.

 My video :)

    My experience in class while learning about digital competency reminded me of the ever changing needs and wants of the 21st Century. Students in the 21st Century rely heavily on technology to understand, learn, revise content, relax and so on. It is only logical to include technology in education for an effective learning experience. Additionally, I think that allowing for learning to be more digitalised increases the confidence, motivation and resourcefulness of students.

    

    When considering empowering students, I think of the Self-Determination Theory. This theory shows correlations between increased motivation in class to the increased effective's of learning (Deci & Ryan, 1985).This theory shows that empowered and confident students are more likely to be engaging in class as well as independent in learning.

    In the world of constant changes to technology, digitally competent educators and leaders in education are necessary. This reminds me of a theory created by Mishra and Koehler (2006) which offers and emphasises the need for a technological understanding of digital skills, pedagogical knowledge and content knowledge for educators. This framework, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK) framework  demonstrates a correlation between technological knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and content knowledge, highlighting the importance of balancing and integrating these areas to support successful teaching in the digital age.

    In conclusion, Dr. Lina's lecture and tutorial shed light on the importance of digital competency for educators and the qualities of empowered digitally fluent students. It was a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of education in the digital era.

Signing off,

Capybarabara

References

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Springer.

Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017-1054.