The New Role of Teachers in Technology Education

Technology brings the world to our fingertips. Internet access allows students to explore beyond the walls of their classroom. They can connect with and learn from people they would have never had the opportunity to meet had it just been a few years ago. With all of these wonderful components of technology, Lucie Renard brings up some excellent points in her article "Fact-checking and fake news lesson plans – The ultimate teacher guide" that teachers must be aware of.

She explains how things can be easily distorted and manipulated to convey fake messages and the impact they can have. Furthermore, she goes on to explain how to fact-check information and provides useful resources for educators to teach this essential skill. 

After reading this article, it made me realize the important role I play as an educator of this generation. I must understand the challenges that come along with the digital world and what we can do to help alleviate some of these concerns and issues. For example, several studies have pointed to social media as a factor in reducing self-esteem and well-being (Richards, Caldwell & Go, 2015). Teaching my students that things can be altered with filters and photoshop will allow them to realize that not everything they see is true and sets unattainable standards of beauty.

As a future teacher, I must teach my students to not mindlessly scroll and instead, actively question and critically examine what they see. I think our job as future teachers is going to shift from teaching children how to use technology to teaching them proper etiquette, fact-checking and critical thinking skills. 

Overall, even though technology brings so many wonderful experiences to the classroom, teachers must be proactive in teaching effective use skills early on. 

Emily S. (OTECA) @ NU

 

References

Renard, L. (2019). Fact checking and fake news lesson plans – the ultimate teacher guide. Book Widgets. https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2019/01/fact-checking-and-fake-news-lesson-plans-the-ultimate-teacher-guide

Richards, D., Caldwell, P. & Go, H. (2015). Impact of social media on the health of children and young people. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 51(12). https://doi-org.ezproxy.niagara.edu/10.1111/jpc.13023