ISA ACTIVITIES (SUBMISSION FOR 2023 APPLICATION)
IMPACTS OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION AS A 21ST CENTURY SKILL
TEACHER RESPONSIBLE
MR. ONINE, MR. TOSIN AND MRS OMAWUNMI BENSON
START DATE OF ACTIVITY
05 – 02 – 2024
END DATE OF ACTIVITY
22 – 03 – 2024
SUBJECT AREAS
ICT AND TECHNOLOGY
NUMBER OF PUPIL IN THIS ACTIVITY BY AGE RANGE
11 – 12, 12 – 13, 13 – 14 AND 14 – 15.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
This activity, conducted in partnership with Delhi Public School in India, explored the complex relationship between digital technology and education in the 21st century. Through a lively debate and engaging talk show format, students tackled the multifaceted impacts of technology in the classroom, considering both its potential and pitfalls.
On one side, students argued that technology offers a treasure trove of educational benefits. Instant access to information, interactive learning tools, and collaborative online platforms can enhance student engagement, cater to diverse learning styles, and personalize education. Technology can bridge geographical divides, allowing students from Delhi to connect and learn from peers around the world, fostering global citizenship (SDG 4.7). Imagine a student in a rural Indian village joining a virtual classroom discussion with students in New York! This kind of collaboration transcends borders and promotes a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
However, opposing voices highlighted the potential downsides. Concerns were raised about technology’s capacity to distract learners, shorten attention spans, and exacerbate existing educational inequalities. Unequal access to technology and the digital divide can leave students in underprivileged communities behind, hindering progress towards inclusive and equitable education (SDG 4.5). This is a crucial point to address. SDG 4 emphasizes ensuring all learners have access to quality education, regardless of background. If technology becomes a barrier to learning instead of a bridge, it can widen the educational gap.
The debate sparked a critical discussion about responsible technology integration in education. The talk show format then allowed students to delve deeper by interviewing guest speakers, potentially educators or education experts, who could offer insights on navigating the challenges and maximizing the opportunities presented by digital tools.
By fostering a space for open dialogue and critical thinking, Activity 3 aimed to equip students with the 21st-century skills necessary to become discerning and responsible users of technology in their educational journeys. This activity aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) for Quality Education, specifically targets 4.5 (ensuring equitable access) and 4.7 (education for sustainable development and global citizenship). Activities like this can play a vital role in ensuring technology empowers learners everywhere, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected future.
AIMS (WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THE ACTIVITY?)
- Understand the role of digital
- Evaluating the transformations
- Identifying skills for the future
OUTCOMES (WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE ACTIVITY?)
- Enhancing learning
- Skill disparities
- Digital divide
EVALUATION EVIDENCE
Pictures and videos were taken as evidence during the activity.
ISA Young Person Activity Evaluation Form
NAME: KRISTEN NWEKE
TITLE OF ACTIVITY: THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AS A 21ST CENTURY SKILL – THE GOOD AND BAD
YEAR GROUP: 15
DATE: 25 – 03 – 2024
What have you enjoyed most about this activity? What did you like best?
I like the way that I and my classmates were able to challenge ourselves and think about the future of education and technology.
What new ideas or information have you learned from this activity?
A new idea that I learned from this activity was the way technology can be used as a clutch instead of a guide. People depend on technology instead of using it as a guide.
What have you enjoyed least or encountered difficulty with?
I enjoyed the hours spent working. Balancing school work and the ISA program was very challenging.
What would you like to change if you did this activity again?
I would like to change the timing and the hours spent on the activity.
ISA Teacher Activity Evaluation Form
NAME: EMMANUEL TOSIN
TITLE OF ACTIVITY: THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AS A 21ST CENTURY SKILL – THE GOOD AND BAD
YEAR GROUP: 14 – 15
DATE: 22 – 03 – 2024
What impact has this activity had on the pupils involved (at your school or in your local community)?
This activity has greatly impacted the students by awakening critical thinking and self-discovery. The students involved were opened up to the world of technology considering the pros and cons. This activity helped students take critical steps in ensuring they curtail the negative impacts of technology while harnessing its benefits.
Comment on the impact this activity has had on you and any other staff involved (at your school or other schools).
The debate and talk show format sparked discussions among teachers about the positive and negative aspects of digital technology in education thereby serving as a catalyst for further exploration of effective technology integration strategies.
Comment on the impact this activity has had on the school generally.
This activity sparked students’ interest in technology and its role in their learning journey. It also contributed to raising awareness and promoting dialogue about the role of digital technology in education within the school community. It helped to address pertinent issues and encouraged critical thinking among students and staff alike.
Please make any suggestions for improvement (e.g. What was the most effective part of this activity for you and why? What was the least effective and why?)
The most effective part of the activity was open exchange of ideas and the diversity of viewpoints. This encouraged participants to consider different perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue. However, the least effective part was the time constraints which limited the depth of discussion on certain aspects. To improve, allocating more time for the activity could allow for a more thorough exploration of the topic.
Any other comments?
This activity was beneficial in stimulating dialogue and fostering a deeper understanding of the impacts of digital technology in education. Moving forward, we can encourage students to research specific examples of how technology can be used effectively in the classroom and also invite a guest speaker with expertise in the educational technology to add another dimension to the activity.
ISA Visitor Activity Evaluation Form
NAME: Jeremiah Anuoluwapo
TITLE OF ACTIVITY: THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AS A 21ST CENTURY SKILL – THE GOOD AND BAD
YEAR GROUP: 14 – 15
DATE: 25 – 03 – 2024
Please comment on the impact this activity has had on the pupils involved.
The students were opened to the reality of technology in education; the negative and positive roles it plays in their lives as students.
Please comment on the impact this activity has had on you.
It prompted thoughtful reflection and fostered a deeper understanding of technology and its roles in our children’s educational journey. As a parent I will set up policies around the use of technology for my children.
Please comment on the impact this activity has had on the school generally.
This activity has opened up the school to the intricacies that comes with the use of technology both for students and teachers. These lessons will further help the school make wise decisions moving forward.
If you have any suggestions for how to improve this activity, please comment here.
Involve external speakers like professionals with expertise in the subject of discussion, so the students and the school can have well rounded information.
Any other comments?
None
ISA Parent/Guardian Activity Evaluation Form
NAME: Mr. Emmanuel Samuel
TITLE OF ACTIVITY: THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AS A 21ST CENTURY SKILL – THE GOOD AND BAD
YEAR GROUP: 14 – 15
DATE: 25 – 03 – 2024
Please comment on the impact this activity has had on your child and in your local community.
This activity encouraged critical thinking and awareness of the role of digital technology in education. They were able to engage in discussion with peers from different backgrounds, fostering empathy and understanding.
If you have been directly involved in this activity what impact did it have on you?
As a parent, the discussion made me reflect on my own phone habits and how they might affect students focus. It also promoted discussions at home about responsible use of technology and the importance of balancing screen time and other activities.
How could we improve this activity next time?
- Involving teachers in the talk show could provide insights for both the parents and students.
- Incorporating more interactive elements such as hands-on technology demonstrations or real world studies could deepen students understanding of the topic.
Any other comments?
It would be interesting to see similar discussions on other 21st Century skills students’ need. I also appreciate the efforts of the school and look forward to seeing how this activity evolves in the future