Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach wrote an article "21st Century Collaborative: Learning 2.0" which addresses the evolution of technology and its impact on education and learning. I was struck by a statement made by a high school freshman who stated in a national poll that she had to "power down" for school. As an educator, our school's policy is to confiscate any technological devices that are not placed promptly in a locker upon arrival at school. I have mixed feelings regarding the policy, however, I can identify with the idea that students are shifting gears as they enter the traditional classroom. In order to embrace "Learning 2.0" there are a variety of issues that the average school faces. One issue is connectivity: in an ideal world, our buildings would be wireless with each student having access to his/her own personal labtop. Teachers would have power workstations to demonstrate and facilitate students' navigation to some of the web's most valuable tools. Our buildings would have enough bandwidth to accomodate the demands of our teachers and students accessing these tools simultaneously.
These issues aside, many schools would require extensive staff development and a leadership that views technology as a high priority. As I reflect on the core components, I think we need to consider "pedagogy" our first step toward Learning 2.0. We need to look at our roles as educators and recognize that these tools change the way we "teach". We are not necessarily "experts" in our content areas, despite our breadth of knowledge. Even if we knew everything within our content areas, it certainly would be beneficial to our students to introduce them to other resources beyond our classroom walls. Knowledge is not something to be dispersed by teachers and eagerly gobbled up by students. Show them the way to build and construct their own knowledge with resources available on Web 2.0. Teach them to use these tools productively, to share their ideas, and to gain new knowledge and experience. They may begin to develop skills and communicate with others. Who knows, they may even put their cell phones away more willingly if they were given opportunities to connect with others in new ways.
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3 comments:
I whole heartedly agree with you that an ideal school would be equipped with laptops for all students and enough bandwidth to service all of the schools' needs. This is something that the future will likely hold. Students will see a greater connection between the real world and their learning in the classroom by using the tools available in Web 2.0. They do have a period of time where they are shifting gears as they enter school. Being so connected to the outside world would help with this transition. By teaching our students how to productively use the tools available at their fingertips, we are preparing them for an exciting future, and getting them excited about learning even more and becoming a self-learner, which is a wonderful accomplishment.
Kirsten,
First, I must say I like the design and look of your blog - pretty cool!
You make an interesting point about schools collecting or forcing students to store technological devices - it's an issue that's only going to compound itself as technology advances. Are these tools or are they toys? And is hiding them away simply the easiest policy to enforce?
@rich: Unfortunately, most of our students are using their technological devices as toys; thus, the policy. However, I think we are not taking advantage of the many possibilities that these devices present.
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