Bob Regan’s article reinforced how important technology use is in our classrooms today, not as a supplement but as a compliment to the curriculum. It has become clear that technology is a growing part of our world and will continue that trend for years to come. As a teacher in these technological times, it is my responsibility to teach 21st century skills in a meaningful way.
Last year my students were exposed to google earth for the first time. At first, this tool was introduced to them separate from our curriculum. A week later we revisited google earth and barely any of the children remembered how to use it. In order to teach 21st century skills, teachers must integrate them into the curriculum. In order to teach a new skill specifically using technology, we as educators must provide children with opportunities to explore and problem solve as they engage in meaningful curriculum. With these opportunities technology will not just be a new tool to learn, but a part of the learning process.
Cari,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that we need to integrate the use of new tools into meaningful and relevant contexts as much as possible, which is something Weigel, James and Gardner touch on in their article as well. Thus far, I have only effectively attempted this with simple examples such as using a search engine, like Google, to do research.
I know places like High Tech High in California address the issue of relevance and technology integration through their use of project-based learning. Students work in groups or as individuals on projects that they design in collaboration with their teachers that meet specific learning goals within various disciplines. For example, their math, physics and art teachers work together to co-plan a project where students have to build a machine that can throw a ball into a basket. Students are graded on how well they apply their knowledge of physics, calculus and aesthetics in the planning and creation of their device. They learn to use relevant computer programs to model what they are trying to achieve, digital video cameras to record what they are doing, and digital video editing software and powerpoint to present their learning. Interdisciplinary projects that require the use of new digital tools for the presentation of student learning provide students a meaningful and contextualized way of exploring new technologies that they can continue to use in their learning and play both inside and outside of school. Seems like a pretty cool approach that is progressive, rigorous and tech-savvy. You can find more about HTH and see videos of their projects here: http://www.hightechhigh.org/