A visit to Shirley Warren 1

From our visit to Shirley Warren Primary school, it is clear to see that they provide a wide range of opportunities which promote and engage children in the different technologies available to them. In my opinion, this is a very important part of children’s education today as technology is seen as a vital part of everyday life. This idea is demonstrated by Arthur (2004) who claims that children are inspired by technology, which greatly impacts on their learning as children relate their learning to the technologies they use at home, such as iPads, computers, radios etc.. This is then further by Dean (2010) who conveys the importance of children using and understanding new technologies in school in order to function in and remain an active member of society.

From my own experience in schools, Shirley Warren has many facilities, such as their radio station/wii station etc., which are not available in other schools. Nevertheless, I believe that the way they are teaching and the push for the use of the different technologies available to children is a positive one, which is highlighted by Dean (2010). Although Palmer (2006) illustrates issues with the increased use of technologies in the classroom, I believe that the use of these technologies is definitely a step in the right direction, as it is the way society is moving forward. In addition to this, I have also observed all children being thoroughly engaged in their learning and taking an active role in their education through the use of technologies, such as iPads during Literacy and Numeracy lessons. Evans (2004) demonstrates this by arguing how all children are able to access the curriculum and their learning through technology as it is not seen as work.

The different apps we were introduced to were very useful and have given me a good background knowledge for not only my own classroom practice but for using them with the children next week. I also feel that the task the children have been set is very relevant and is a great way of tying literacy and technology together. All in all, I feel very enthusiastic and confident about using the apps with the children next week.

-          Arthur, L. (2004) Popular Culture, New Media and Digital Literacy in Modern Childhood Oxon: Routledge Falmer

-          Dean, G. (2010) ‘Rethinking Literacy’ in Bazalgette, C. (ed) (2010) Teaching Media in Primary Classrooms. London: Sage

-          Evans, J. (2004) Literacy moves on: Using popular culture, new technologies and critical literacy in the primary classroom. David Fulton Publishing LTD.

-          Palmer, S. (2006) Toxic Childhood: How the Modern World is Damaging Our Children and What We Can Do About It London: Orien