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.

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