Reflective Journal

In regards to blog post 1, I liked how you jumped straight into a definition of what exactly “digital and communication technology” actually is. It was very useful for those who may not be initially aware and set the tone for the rest of the blog post. By essentially dividing the post according to the different types of digital and communication technology (ie. social media, instant messaging, websites etc) it made it easier to understand. 

One recommendation I have would be to actually section of the post into paragraphs so that the post isn’t in 1 big chunk. 

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Prior to this unit, I had never once heard or considered the term Reflective Practicing or being a “Reflective Practitioner.” When the idea was bought up in one of our lectures, I was completely lost to the concept.

Essentially, through both the lecture and also further reading on LEO on the topic, I learnt that “reflection” is “more than just thinking about something”, it is a “process of identifying issues, questioning opinions, synthesizing information and applying learning.” So in this sense, it’s not merely just quickly thinking about something- it’s actually about engaging in your thought process critically and evaluating your “emotional, cognitive and behavioral responses to a situation.”

Reflecting Practicing is essential to this blog, because first and foremost,  as the title may suggest, it’s all about critically reflecting on my time undergoing this particular unit. I think it’s important to become a reflective practitioner because it allows us as individuals to better self-assess ourselves and our own individual learning. Through reflective practicing, we are better able to evaluate our learning, what has been learnt and what can be improved (to put it simply.)

In terms of how it will help me in my future career as a teacher, I think it is very important as it will give me a better understanding of the type of teacher I am and aid me in improving myself by evaluating what I’m doing right, and what I’m doing wrong. When I become a full-time teacher, it can become very easy for me to become side-tracked, so I think reflective practicing will be very effective! </ p>

REFERENCES

(2016) (1st ed.). Retrieved fromhttp://ehlt.flinders.edu.au/education/reflectivepractice/reflect/Tools%20for%20reflective%20practice.pdf

Reflective practice. (2016). Wikipedia. Retrieved 13 September 2016, fromhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflective_practice

Nowadays in our culture and generation. technology is ever growing and the latest iPhone seems to be treated with the up-most importance and priority. Communication is as simple as one press of a button- send a message and your friend or family can know exactly what you feel and need without you having to even be in the same room as them! 

Post a status, and hundreds of “friends” can determine what it is you’re doing and feeling, upload a snapchat and they’ll know exactly where you are....The list goes on. It is safe to say that technology is taking over our world.

This can be a good thing. Communication can become increasingly easy without hassle and those who may be uncomfortable with their own personas *in real life* can be free to share their opinions, thoughts and perspectives online without feeling like that. They can ultimately be who they really are and want to be *online*, with the option of blocking, unfriending and reporting someone always readily available.

However, in saying all this, technology can also cause us as a society to withdraw. We isolate ourselves within company in favor of checking our news-feed on Facebook. We take photos and videos to share on Instagram instead of truly enjoying what’s actually around us. 

As aforementioned, we can essentially change our identity online, and whilst this action can have some pro’s, it also comes with it’s own negative connotations. We can manipulate people into thinking we are someone who we’re not simply because we’re behind a computer/phone screen. 

In saying all this, it’s inevitable that technology will continue to grow...As a future teacher, their is no doubt that my students will utilize technological advances in their learning and education. It is just a matter of knowing the limits, as well as the negative and positive impact that it upholds.  

Prior to this unit, I had never once heard or considered the term Reflective Practicing or being a “Reflective Practitioner.” When the idea was bought up in one of our lectures, I was completely lost to the concept. 

Essentially, through both the lecture and also further reading on LEO on the topic, I learnt that “reflection” is “more than just thinking about something”, it is a “process of identifying issues, questioning opinions, synthesizing information and applying learning.” So in this sense, it’s not merely just quickly thinking about something- it’s actually about engaging in your thought process critically and evaluating your “emotional, cognitive and behavioral responses to a situation.” 

Reflecting Practicing is essential to this blog, because first and foremost,  as the title may suggest, it’s all about critically reflecting on my time undergoing this particular unit. I think it’s important to become a reflective practitioner because it allows us as individuals to better self-assess ourselves and our own individual learning. Through reflective practicing, we are better able to evaluate our learning, what has been learnt and what can be improved (to put it simply.) 

REFERENCES

(2016) (1st ed.). Retrieved from http://ehlt.flinders.edu.au/education/reflectivepractice/reflect/Tools%20for%20reflective%20practice.pdf

Reflective practice. (2016). Wikipedia. Retrieved 13 September 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflective_practice

What exactly does the “Digital Native” actually refer to, and additionally, what about its counter term “Digital Immigrant”?

A digital native (coined by Presky in 2001) refers to someone who has grown up with technology throughout their life and therefore has become acquainted as to how they work and how to use them from an early age. Alternatively, a digital immigrant, generally refers to someone from older generations, who has not particularly grown up in the age of iPhones, laptops, iPads etc. and therefore has had to adapt to this growing technology advanced generation. 

According to Presky’s views, this can create a great divide between teachers and students in particular, whom originate from both a “digital native” and “digital immigrant” mindset. On the one hand, digital natives are more into multi-tasking, gaming and can process different types of information at a faster rate, as opposed to digital immigrants, who may prefer a more straight-forward approach to learning and processes information at a much slower rate. 

This can pose a problem to approaches to learning, and Presky then argues that digital immigrants should ideally be forced to essentially change their thinking if they want to provide a more engaging and stimulating approach to the younger generation (ie. students.) 

Despite this, Presky’s claims are merely one of a matter of opinion, with their evidently not being enough evidence to support the claims he makes. Although it is highly likely that their is a correlation between the characteristics of the younger/older generations and the rise of technology, more evidence needs to be discovered to fully prove it. 

REFERENCES

Digital Natives: Fact or Fiction?. (2011). Oxford University Press. Retrieved 8 September 2016, from https://oupeltglobalblog.com/2011/01/20/digital-natives-fact-or-fiction/

A bit about me…

My name is Marie Pike.

- I recently just turned 19 on the 28th of July (born 1997), meaning I am in my first year of university. I’m studying Bachelor of Primary Education at the moment, and although I find university at times a bit challenging compared to what I’ve recently studied, I know it will be worth it in the end.

- I am of full Filipino background, and moved here in  2003 when I was 3. Although I’ve lived in Australia since then, I still consider Philippines my home and visit there every 3 years to see family. 

- Apart from Philippines, I have also traveled to Greece, Italy and Singapore. My goal is travel as much of the world as possible. 

- On top of uni, I work part time at Mcdonalds in my area, in which I have been working at for nearly 3 years! Throughout my time there, I’ve actually made quite a lot of lifelong friends, although I do hope to quit soon and get another job, or even maintain 2 jobs.

- I love going out with my friends whenever I can, eating out, watching movies, writing, reading and going to concerts.

This blog was created with the intent of reflecting through my time undertaking COMM140 in my second semester of doing my Primary Education course at ACU. It will not only delver and answer questions related to the unit information itself, but also reflect on various tutorials and lectures, and my own personal understanding towards them. I’m hoping that my use of such a popular social media platform like Tumblr will get my message across in a fun, interesting and creative way!

Academic Honesty:

“This assignment is submitted in accordance with the University’s Academic Regulations and the Academic Honesty Policy. I also understand the serious nature of academic dishonesty (such as plagiarism) and the penalties attached to being found guilty of committing such offences.”