TEACHING IN THE DIGITAL AGE

What is Digital Age?

The digital age, also sometimes referred to as the information age, is generally considered to be
that time in the 21st century, starting with the widespread use of the Internet, when we shifted
from traditional industry to an economy based on information and communication technologies.

Technology and Digital Media

Technology is the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes or applications, whether in
industry or in our everyday lives. So, basically, whenever we use our scientific knowledge to
achieve some specific purpose, we're using technology.

Digital media is digitized content that can be transmitted over the internet or computer networks.
This can include text, audio, video, and graphics. This means that news from a TV network,
newspaper, magazine, etc. that is presented on a Web site or blog can fall into this category.

Use of Technology and Digital Media

These days, everyone is using technology and digital media in some way or another. It has
become a part of our daily lives. Some of the main uses includes internet, communication,
healthcare, transportation, productivity and of course, education. 

In old times, only food, clothes, and home were necessities of every human being, but today,
Education is as important as these things. These days, technology and digital media is playing a
vital role in education. Technology and digital media in education has enhanced teaching to an
extraordinary level. New teaching methods are so effective that students easily understand things
without getting bored.

Students can learn any skill from their home with a google search, youtube videos, or online
courses. Some of the modern tools of technology in the classroom are digital portfolios,
educational games, electronic grade books, real-time feedback, etc. 

The transition to digital-age teaching and learning involves changing the culture of teaching and
learning. Teachers are no longer the keepers and conveyors of information, but rather the
designers of learning experiences that enable students to productively engage with rich resources
and learning activities.

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21st Digital Literacy Skills

Digital literacy means having the skills you need to live, learn, and work in a society where
communication and access to information is increasingly through digital technologies like
internet platforms, social media, and mobile devices.

The Digital Literacies:

1. Media Literacy

-It is one’s ability to critically read information or content and utilize multimedia in creatively
producing communications.

2. Information Literacy

-It is locating information from the web and evaluating its validity in order that it can be shared.

3. ICT Literacy

-It is knowing how to select and use digital devices, applications or services to accomplish tasks
requiring the use of the internet.

4. Communications and Collaboration

-This are one’s capabilities in being able to participate in the digital networks in the teaching and
learning context

5. Identity Management

-It is being able to understand how to ensure safety and security in managing online identity and
foster a positive digital reputation.

6. Digital Scholarship

-It is being able to link and participate in professional and research practices.

7. Learning Skills

-Ways of knowing how to study and learn in a technology-enriched environment; this is knowing
how to utilize technology in addressing the need to learn efficiently.

Students with digital literacy skills will be more comfortable and confident in these learning
platforms, while those without digital literacy skills may have their progress stymied by an
inability to or lack of confidence in navigating the related technology. In addition, with the
majority of standardized state assessments being administered online, it’s increasingly important
that students have the confidence to focus on the material in question instead of being slowed or
distracted by using technology for the test.

Media and Technology in Education

- Media and technology have become increasingly integrated into education over the past decade,
with the potential to transform teaching and learning. This integration can take many forms,
including the use of digital tools and resources, online learning platforms, and social media. In
this discussion, we will explore the benefits and challenges of using media and technology in
education.

• Integrating Information, Media, and Technology into Curriculum

-Incorporating information, media, and technology into the curriculum can enhance student
learning by providing access to a wide range of resources and facilitating learning opportunities.
It involves using technology tools such as computers, tablets, interactive whiteboards, and
mobile devices, along with traditional resources like books, magazines, and newspapers. The
integration of technology should be aligned with learning goals and objectives to ensure effective
use.

• Integrating Information, Media, and Technology into Classroom Content

- Integrating information, media, and technology into classroom content involves using
technology to support teaching and learning activities. This includes incorporating digital
resources such as videos, podcasts, and online simulations, as well as social media tools like
blogs, wikis, and discussion forums. Teachers can use technology to personalize learning
experiences for students and support student collaboration and communication.

• Integrating Technology and Media in the Process of Learning:

-Integrating technology and media in the process of learning involves using technology tools to
support students in the various stages of learning, from acquiring knowledge to applying and
creating new knowledge. This can include using technology to provide students with real-world
experiences, engaging them in interactive learning activities, and using assessment tools to
provide feedback on student progress.

• Importance and Impact of Technology on Media

- Technology has transformed the media industry by providing new ways for people to consume,
create, and distribute information. The internet, social media, and mobile devices have enabled
people to access news and entertainment on-demand and in real-time. This has created new
opportunities for media producers and consumers, as well as new challenges related to media
literacy, privacy, and online safety. The impact of technology on media is likely to continue to
evolve as new technologies emerge and people's habits and preferences change.

THEORY-OLOGY OF MOBILE LEARNING

Introduction: Theories of Learning According to Luis & D'Cunha, (2014), A learning theory can
be described as a conceptual framework used to understand and frame how information is
absorbed, processed, and retained during learning.

Mobile learning, or m-learning, is an emerging area in education that involves the use of mobile
devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to support teaching and learning. It offers
learners the flexibility to access learning resources anytime and anywhere. However, to
effectively understand and implement mobile learning, it is important to consider the theoretical
frameworks that underpin it. In this discussion, we will explore the key theories and frameworks
that inform mobile learning.

Learning Theories In Education

Situated Learning Theory

- Situated learning theory emphasizes the importance of learning in authentic contexts. This
theory suggests that learners acquire knowledge and skills by engaging in meaningful activities
that are situated in real-life situations. Mobile learning can facilitate this process by enabling
learners to access learning materials and resources in real-life situations, allowing them to apply
their knowledge and skills to authentic problems.

Cognitive Learning Theory

- it looks at the way people think. Mental processes are an important part in understanding how
we learn. The cognitive theory understands that learners can be influenced by both internal and
external elements.

Behaviorism Learning Theory

- is the idea that how a student behaves is based on their interaction with their environment. It
suggests that behaviors are influenced and learned from external forces rather than internal
forces.
Constructivism Learning Theory

- is based on the idea that students actually create their own learning based on their previous
experiences. Students take what they’re being taught and add it to their previous knowledge and
experiences, creating a reality that’s unique to them. This learning theory focuses on learning as
an active process, which is personal and individual for each student. Humanism is very closely
related to constructivism.

Humanism

- it directly focuses on the idea of self-actualization. Everyone functions under a hierarchy of

needs. Self-actualization is at the top of the hierarchy of needs—it’s the brief moments where a
person feels all of their needs are met and that they’re the best possible version of themselves.
Everyone is striving for this, and learning environments can either move toward meeting needs
or away from meeting needs.

Connectivism

- is one of the newest educational learning theories. It focuses on the idea that people learn and
grow when they form connections. This can be connections with each other or connections with
their roles and obligations in their lives. Hobbies, goals, and people can all be connections that
influence learning.

Activity Theory

- it focuses on the role of social and cultural contexts in shaping learning activities. Mobile
learning can be seen as an activity system, in which learners use mobile devices to access
resources, collaborate with others, and engage in learning activities. This theory suggests that
learning is a social process that occurs within a complex web of interactions and relationships.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

- is a framework for designing instruction that meets the needs of all learners, regardless of their
abilities or learning styles. Mobile devices can provide multiple means of representation,
expression, and engagement, allowing learners to access content in ways that work best for them.
UDL can be used to design mobile learning experiences that are accessible and engaging for all
learners.

Augmented Reality (AR)

- is a technology that overlays digital information into the physical world, enabling learners to
interact with digital content in real-world contexts. Mobile devices can support AR applications,
which can enhance learning experiences by providing learners with immersive and interactive
experiences.