Now we have statistics in this article to demonstrate to us that computers in your classroom can be disruptive. This should not be a surprise after the past decades have seen the computer revolution change our culture so radically. The disruption to the classroom is legendary. Nevertheless, education overall has been stubborn to adopt and integrate what is good about this technology.
What this research really confirms is that if you put digital platforms into classrooms without proper integration of their use into the curriculum, the assignments, performance assessments and activities as well as training the teachers to use software then this technology will be used "surfing the Internet, checking email, messaging with friends, or even completing homework for that class or another class." No question about it. Waste of money. Waste of time.
Enough said.
What is missing from failed technology integration projects is often the lack of real change in how learning will be done when computers are there. Analogs of 19th century learning processes accomplished with 21st Century software are not what will work. Taking notes in WORD is not technology integration. 'Working on my Powerpoint is not technology integration. 21st century uses of these powerful tools can engage students and enable them to excel. But the curriculum, the assignment and projects have to be designed with chosen specific technologies in mind. This is the disruption of education. It just can't be the same old stuff with laptops on the desks.
Projects and assignments have to be built to engage students as follows:
â—† using technology to inquire, experiment and demonstrate
â—† building media products
â—† using technology to demonstrate learning
â—† enabling electronic collaboration
â—† providing access to vast resources for learning and tools to support thinking
â—† using organizational and productivity software
â—† enabling distance communication synchronously or asynchronously, video or text
Contemporary thinking about classroom models proposes the power of the technology to enable much more personalized learning, traditional learning blended with technology, sophisticated project based learning, and use of a huge library of STEM and Arts resources.
Increasing awareness of these 21st century possibilities for classroom activity amongst teachers is also critical for the reconfiguration of education to progress.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/25/2016 04:12PM by mlb.
