Tag: educationaltechnology

Three Things

I’m trying to come back… OK, as part of the whole application process, I have had to do some serious thinking about all sorts of educational issues, but educational technology issues remain my central focus. After identifying a problem (not enough real world technology use in our classrooms) and a potential solution (more conversations, more opportunities, more money), I acknowledged that large-scale institutional change is unfortunately far-fetched. So, it is up to us. You know the underpaid teachers to start making a difference, like we always do.

Here is a list of three things I thought WE could start doing now to help prepare our students for the 21st century and try and get out of that 19th century rut we are in. So try one now or maybe next school year. When you get the chance.

What do you think? Any others to add?

  1. Information handling and processing: The incredible access to information that the Internet has afforded us has dramatically changed the manner in which students acquire and then use information. With the ability to publishing content open to virtually anyone, we must start teaching students the value of evaluating resources. Just because it shows up in Google, does not mean you can trust it!
  2. Responsible online behavior: Here is the perfect example of students creating worlds with little or no guidance from adults. Very few schools actually teach students how to properly behave online. Plus, what might be acceptable within a peer group, often times violates appropriate behavior within an academic or professional setting. Teachers can even set up their own learning social networks to help demonstrate and model appropriate behaviors using free online applications.
  3. Authentic production opportunities: To stay relevant, at least some of our learning opportunities must reflect real world situations. The application of their knowledge and skills must stretch beyond multiple-choice and essay tests. Many jobs at all levels in the economy require employees to complete specified projects. Students need to be able to plan, create time lines, work collaboratively, and finish assigned tasks.