Digital Literacy: A New Phrase

Technology is EVERYWHERE. In fact, and I find it annoying sometimes, it's hard to escape technology. It seems like the only time I can truly get away from it all is to go camping out in the woods and "forget" my cell phone in the car. There, it's just me and the few things (or people) I brought along.
...However, while I can rant about all of technologies "evils," it has also opened up a wonderful and advanced opportunity within the classroom setting. iPads, laptops, smart boards, iPods, and even cell phones are all popping up as classroom tool. It's not just some new snazzy jazzy tricks for new teachers to make old teachers look dumb and outdated. Technology is keeping the students engaged, providing a more immersive learning strategy, reaching the students on a level they are familiar with, as well as providing students access to knowledge that they never would have had access to even just twenty years ago. While the "old" way of teaching is just fine and dandy, we can't stay stuck in the past when there is a future to reach for. Personally, I was able to see a huge advancement in technology in the classroom my senior year of high school.We had just had a brand new school built, and part of the new school was placing  smart board in every single classroom. I remember shaking my head at the teachers who had this wonder tool, and piece of technology,but did not use it. Then, there were the teachers who took the time to learn how to use it and truly incorporate the smart board into their classroom. I loved the smart board. In math I was able to better visualize things. In English notes were easily e-mailed to us. In science we could combine dangerous elements on accident and learn the effect without actually causing harm to us. The smart board could be effectively used in every classroom. As a student, I loved interacting with it and using it in the classroom. I felt it was valuable. As a teacher, I cannot wait to use one myself and think of new and inventive ways to further engage my students through the use of technology.

Fifty years digital literacy did not need to be defined, today it is very much a part of the classroom. Digital literacy is the ability to comprehend and understand all digital materials. This may range from movies, songs, online databases, blogs, pictures, and more. Digital literacy also includes the ability to use and implement new technology as it is best fit for a particular person's needs.