Week 2- (Task 1) - My exploration of my parent survey results

My parent survey findings were similar to the opinions of Hasley as they reflected how we need to embrace new technologies within the classroom. A comment which developed my thinking was made when we were discussing the use of portable technology such as iPads and laptops in education. She really valued the use of iPads and explained that they have been a brilliant tool for development and learning for her autistic son as it provides accessible and interactive experiences. The idea that technology can support the learning of children with additional needs is discussed by Jon Audain as he feels technology can enable children to communicate more effectively reducing the learners frustration.

The parent also expressed how she doesn’t see a problem with her children reading comics over a story book as she believed that as long as they’re reading and understanding the text, that’s the most important part. Also, she felt if you force a genre upon a child, it will ruin a learners love of reading.

Both myself and the parent I interviewed felt that the use of popular culture in schools is a positive development as long as all children can access whatever is being offered. Therefore, this is something I would like to experiment with through my practice. Having discussed these findings with my peers I realise how I need to research some of the apps available for children with additional needs and explore how I could use these on my next teaching practice. In the seminar session we also considered how a child's exposure to other genres could actually widen their understanding of different text styles and may support their literacy work.  

Halsey, S., (2007)   ‘Embracing emergent technologies and envisioning new ways of using them for   literacy learning in the primary classroom’ English Teaching; Practice and Critique6 (2) pp 99-107

Audain,J., (2014)The Ultimate Guide To Using ICT Across The Curriculum, London and New York: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.