Chapter 2: Students and Learning

Students in the 21^st Century are evolving in the way they learn, communicate, and express themselves, in large part due to new technological advances and tools at their fingertips. They are learning how to use technology at a younger age, and in most cases they are passing teachers in technological knowledge and skills. Companies such as Vtech Holdings are adapting products in order to target children as young as 9 months (Schrum & Solomon, 2007). Life is centered around technology for many students, and understandably, they are looking for more technology in school and more opportunities to use their skills to enhance their learning experience – they want their experience to be tailored to their needs and interests in and out of the classroom. In reference to the revised Bloom's taxonomy (remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating), Schrum & Solomon (2007) state that, “To help students acquire these skills and become synthesizers means not just providing access to technological tools but also employing the pedagogical tools that are more powerful when combined with technology” (pg. 37). As teachers, we are responsible for teaching a wide variety of learners with different needs and learning styles. Technology can assist with this when used correctly, and can be a very valuable tool for reaching students at their level.

According to Schrum and Solomon (2007), “When they are adults, today's students will change jobs more often than their parents did and each new job may be unrelated to the last. This means that the skills they will need will be less job-specific; rather, they will be skills that enable people to think, adapt, and continue learning” (pg. 42). I think anyone can benefit from learning practical skills, whether they will be searching for a job in the near future, or whether they are in a long-term career already. As a graduate student without a full-time job/career, I am constantly focused on making sure that my educational choices are based on practical and adaptable skills/knowledge. By keeping a broad focus, I am preparing myself for any job that comes my way.

NETS (Teachers)

3. Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum
   Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning. Teachers:
   A. facilitate technoloy-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
   B. use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
   C. apply technology to develop students' higher-order skills and creativity.
   D. manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.

References

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Photo from http://edudemic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/tech-chalkboard.jpg  

Chapter 1: New World, New Web, New Skills

The development and advancement of technology (specifically the Web) has created the need for a  major shift away from traditional methods in education, work, and personal affairs.  Many countries are already beginning to change the way they teach students, encouraging a technology-rich curriculum and an education that will prepare them for a future rooted in technology.  The Web has created an atmosphere in which information can be located immediately, communication takes place instantly, and collaboration is all the rage.  Web 2.0 has made it possible for people on opposite sides of the country to work simultaneously on a project and provide instant feedback.  It has allowed people to share their ideas and creativity by way of blogs, social media, etc.  Companies are finding that they can determine consumer preferences and trends by reading thousands of reviews online and adapting their products to fit the needs of the buyer.  Web 2.0 is changing the way society functions.  The need for a new approach in the education system is strong, considering that the children in school today are immersed in technology at home and will be entering a technology driven workforce in a few short years.  Educators need to teach students to use this technology appropriately and productively, to collaborate with their peers to learn concepts and create new ideas, and to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the 21st Century. 

Solomon and Schrum (2007) state that, "As society and the world of work change, the skills that students need to live and thrive in it also change" (pg. 17).  This passage applies to elementary and secondary students, undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, parents, etc.  The demands of the work force are becoming increasingly competitive (Solomon & Schrum, 2007), and people must be able to adapt to those changes as they come, applying their previous knowledge and acquiring new skills as needed.  As a graduate student in Education, I see this statement clearly from both angles.  Not only am I determined to keep up with the new advancements for my own benefit, I am also obligated to adapt for the sake of my future students and co-workers.


NETS (Students)

2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.  Students:
           a.  interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
           b.  communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
           c.  develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learning or other cultures.
           d.  contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.


Reference

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007).  Web 2.0: New tools, new schools.  Eugene, OR: International   Society for Technology in Education.