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.
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| Figure 1: Canva logo. (Canva, 2024) |
Figure 2: 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, see table below for an example. 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 3: 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 4: Parent assisting child with online studying (EduWW, n.d.) |
Furthermore, 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. (2024a). Canva. https://www.canva.com/about/
Canva. (2024b). Canva. [logo image]. 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
Hi Samantha,
ReplyDeleteLearning a new tool under emerging technology sounds interesting, clever of you to pair it up with assessment two and kill two birds with one stone. True about Microsoft, I clung to the one software I was familiar with throughout high school, but now as I’m getting older and I’m entering the information profession I’m slowly branching out to other technologies, I’m currently learning to use Procreate (2011). It’s a good point you made about library’s integrating programs to educate young people about certain types of technologies, beyond academic and vocational purposes/opportunities, it can have benefits like: improving critical thinking and problem solving, promoting creativity, and increased cognitive development (Beavis, 2013). Maintaining programs that introduce emerging technologies to youth helps both them and library professionals not fall behind in the increasing digital divide. Interesting about children being just overwhelmed as other “digital immigrants,” when we underestimate a group’s need for assistance, we let them fall through the cracks and inhibit proper server, almost akin to accidental self-censorship in that this viewpoint is influenced by an outside “notion” of how “life is,” which in turn alters our behaviour to the negative affect of our community.
Really enjoyed this read,
Take care.
Jessica Meurs.
Beavis, C. (2013). Young people, new media and education: Participation and possibilities. Social Alternatives 32(2), 39-44. https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/INFORMIT.821977449633449
Hi Samantha, Your exploration of Canva as an emerging technology tool is insightful and relevant to modern library practices. It's inspiring to see how you've embraced this user-friendly platform to create engaging marketing materials, demonstrating the potential of integrating new technologies into your work. Canva’s versatility in adding animations, music, and other effects clearly enhances the promotional content, making it more appealing to young audiences. Your realisation about the importance of digital engagement for young people and your intention to offer classes on such technologies underscore the library's role in bridging the digital divide. The inclusion of research on children’s interaction with technology highlights the significance of guided technological learning. By equipping yourself with these skills, you’re better positioned to support and educate young library users, fostering their digital literacy. This proactive approach not only modernises library services but also ensures that young people have equitable access to essential technological resources and skills.
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