The importance of Digital Competency

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The importance of Digital Competency and how technology can be used in the primary classroom

Primary Education has introduced the new Digital Competency, The framework established by Donaldson (2015) this framework was introduced in order to teach children the use of technology as technology is quickly becoming important in education. The aim of this framework is to enhance skills, knowledge and attitudes that empowers children to be creative and confident when using technology (Welsh Government, 2018). Digital competence is vital in today’s generation as it enhances different areas of development. This blog post will discuss the importance of digital competence.

Technology has become one of the important sources over the last years and society rely on technology regularly as the majority of people have implemented it in their daily lives. Digital technology is present in today's education and has grown hugely compared to a few years ago, during the 1990s internet and computers were becoming the development of contemporary life (Selwyn, N and Facer, K. 2014). In Wales there are the DFC frameworks which help teachers and practitioners to keep up to date with the aims of technology they should be delivered in primary schools, technology enhances children’s development in many ways and should be used in the curriculum for effective learning. Primary school teachers use technology every single day in a classroom, the use of interactive whiteboards to deliver activities and information to pupils. iPad and laptops have been introduced in the classroom and children are making full use of it. When working in Year 1 for work experience I recognised that instead of children reading books during free time they would use the Ipad and read and watch videos on the story they wanted to watch. With the progress of technology, there are many apps that can be downloaded onto the iPad and laptops, children can use the YouTube app to watch storytime videos, or literacy and numeracy games to help increase their development. The one thing which I think is great for more mature students in year 5/6 is teachers using kahoot to engage with the classroom for quizzes or fun activities which gets the children to use their thinking skills. However, some teachers feel that technology can be distracting in a learning context, as some pupils and practitioners may lack in confidence when using technology, it is vital that all staff are skilled in using technology as it can enhance their teaching, learning and assessment. The use of technology can also make lesson planning easier as well as being more engaged with the classroom in a positive way.

The Ofsted (2011) and the Steering report (Arthur, Crick and Hayward, 2013), England and Wales curriculums have made changes for digital competence to be “at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world” (Department for Education, 2014; Welsh Government, 2017a) However, ICT was seen as a worry in the curriculum and needed improvements. I feel that technology is a great way to promote learning and teaching within wales and believe that children can gain huge knowledge from the use of the internet and technology.

Donaldson (2015) report on Successful Futures announces digital competency into the curriculum. Donaldson believes that technology can impact hugely in the lives of children and young people as it enhances different areas of learning. The Steering report states “A Statutory Digital Literacy Framework should be implemented to work alongside the Literacy and Numeracy Framework from Foundation Phase through to post-16 education” (Arthur, S., Crick., T. and Hayward., J. 2013, p.16). The Steering report believes that digital competence is vital within the primary education curriculum, as it develops skills and allows children to grow confidence in becoming capable digital individuals. Steering report also encourages teachers and practitioners to promote digital competency and teach it in the classroom yet still covering other subjects such as literacy and numeracy and involving these subjects into technology. The Welsh Government (2016) created the DCF and is one of three cross-curricular responsibilities equal with literacy and numeracy. The Welsh Government (2017) suggest that DCF is set in order to develop and teach digital skills whilst still cooperating other subjects within the curriculum.





Reference
Arthur, S., Crick, T. and Hayward, J. (2013) THE ICT STEERING GROUP’S REPORT TO THE WELSH GOVERNMENT. Online at: https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-11/the-ictsteering-group-s-report-to-the-welsh-government.pdf (Accessed: 07/02/2019).

Donaldson, G. (2015) Successful Futures, Independent Review of Curriculum and Assessment Arrangements in Wales. OGL.

Department for Education (2014) National curriculum. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum (Accessed: 18/3/2019).

Department for Education (2017) ‘Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage’. Available at: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2017/03/EYFS_STATUTORY_FRAMEWORK_2017.pdf (Accessed:18/3/2019).

Ofsted (2011) ‘ICT in schools 2008-11 An evaluation of information and communication technology education in schools in’. Online at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file /181223/110134.pdf (Accessed: 01/03/2019

Selwyn, N., & Facer, K. (2014). The sociology of education and digital technology: Past, present and future. Oxford Review of Education, 40(4), 482-496. https://doi.org/10.1080/03054985.2014.933005

Welsh Government (2018) Digital Competence Framework Guidance. Online at:  file:///C:/Users/Team%20Knowhow/Documents/University/Areas%20of%20Learning%20and%20Experience/digital%20competence%20article%20.pdf (Accessed: 12/04/2019).


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