For my second activity I chose to learn a new tool under the topic of emerging technologies. I covered off two tasks for this subject by using Canva (2024) to create the marketing materials for assessment two.
Having been a long-time user of Microsoft software for all my creative needs, I thought I would never need anything else. However, I learnt that there are new technologies out there, that are easy to use and will create fantastic material that I currently do not have the skills to do. Canva has some terrific templates for users to build from, as well as creating from scratch. I was able to add animation, music and other effects to material to create interesting promotional material.
Figure 1: Term 2 Events (Curran, 2024, April)
Learning to use this new tool is relevant to my practice of working with young people as I was able to create material that was engaging and could be shared digitally; this is where and how you find young people looking for information and services. Offering classes to teach this type of technology to young people is service that a library could offer. Many young people have variable access to technology and learning to use technology. Libraries can fill this gap in their education by offering access to technology and by providing staff who are well-versed in the technological learning needs of 21st century young people (Nelson & Braafladt, 2012, p. x). Even though I consider myself very computer literate, there is a gap in my knowledge of this type of advanced creative technology. I’ve also never used social media as a means to engage with library users, Canva has the functionality to assist me to do this.
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| Figure 2: 2022 Survey of 1033 families - Children who lack access to devices for education (Walsh, 2022, December). |
There are many myths surrounding children, technology and their development, many being that technology can only have a negative effect on children, for example that technology hinders social interaction. However, a study by Lydia Plowman and Joanna McPake found that with adult help children can learn to use technology to create, then share materials with long-distance family via technology; therefore, enhancing their social interaction skills at an earlier age (Plowman & McPake, 2013, technology hinders social interaction section).
Many people also believe children are born as “digital natives”, knowing more about technology because they have only known life with technology (Plowman & McPake, 2013, young children are digital natives section). However, Lydia Plowman and Joanna McPake’s study showed that children can be just as overwhelmed with using technology at first as any other “digital immigrant”. They require instruction and good modelling by adults in order to become proficient and to use technology for its best purposes (2013, young children are digital natives section).
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| Figure 3: Parent assisting child with online studying (EduWW, n.d.) |
Another theory of children and technology is that children need to become tech savvy as early as possible to be successful in their futures lives. Technology is all around us, in every part of our lives now and technology can expand the range of opportunities for children to learn about the world around them. It can assist them to develop their communication skills and help them to “learn to learn” (Plowman & McPake, 2013, children need to be tech savvy for their future section) . Organisations such as libraries can support this need by providing services and access to technology and knowledgeable library staff.
During this activity I discovered that I need to make more effort look at emerging technologies in order to be able to provide support to young people on their developmental journey when planning library services.
References
Canva. (2024). Canva. https://www.canva.com/about/
Curran, S. (2024, April). Term 2 library events calendar [video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/shorts/gbPQRpoR-5c?feature=share
EduWW. (n.d.). [Photograph of parent assisting child with online studying]. https://eduww.net/online-learning-tips/how-can-parents-help-in-their-childs-online-education/
Nelson, J., & Braafladt, K. (2012). Technology and literacy : 21st century library programming for children and teens. American Library Association. https://portal.igpublish.com/iglibrary/search/ALAB0000268.html
Plowman, L., & McPake, J. (2013). Seven myths about young children and technology. Childhood Education, 89(1), 27-33. https://ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/seven-myths-about-young-children-technology/docview/1492204496/se-2?accountid=10344
Walsh, S. (2022, December). The digital divide: 49% of kids lack access to tech for school. Finder. https://www.finder.com.au/news/digital-divide-49-percent-of-kids-lack-tech-access
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