Learning to Teach in a New Era

It is hard to imagine a world without digital technologies. They influence every facet of our lives, including our education, health, leisure activities, finances and jobs. You may have heard different terms for digital technologies such as information technology (IT) and information and communication technology (ICT). In this chapter, we will use the terms digital technology and ICT interchangeably. In the first section of this chapter ‘Digital technologies and you’, we will explore both your personal and educational experiences with ICT as well as investigate your attitudes towards digital technologies in education. ‘Digital technologies in schools’ explores the current situation in early childhood, primary and secondary school contexts. You will be given an insight into theoretical frameworks, curriculum implications and practical considerations for twenty-first-century classrooms. The third section discusses pedagogical theories surrounding the use of digital technologies in classrooms and the fourth section, ‘Using digital technologies in class’, provides numerous suggestions and practical information on how digital technologies can be used for teaching and learning.