We are in interesting times right now. So much of our personal/social lives involves technology. I would be hard-pressed to name any one of my peers that did not have a dependance on technology.
What is odd is that I see some of the best learning happening due to a carefully constructed conversation among students in a single classroom. These are 12 and 13-year-olds. I can't give an exact quote, but they are saying things like, "It is obvious to me that XXX, given YYY." Again, not an exact quote, but you get the point... I'm hearing awesome things out of the mouths of our youths.
It leaves me wondering what more technology can do for this teacher and their students. I believe that the answer is "a lot".
- I wonder what would happen if this teacher could have students communicate with students from other parts of the state/country/world.
- I wonder if they would learn better by by working with another student (even if miles away) to hone their understanding on a topic.
- I wonder if these students could create something REAL.. something published and presented to the world.
- I wonder if these students can critically think about issues presented to them, weigh all options, and make an "educated" decision for themselves. I know our kids can do it. They need the opportunity to show it via the means most familiar to to them.
Tech is not an end, it is one part in a means to an end, especially today.
If you are looking to boost the 4 Cs in your school, I'd say, you can't do it without the integration of technology. Tech might just be the accelerator in your venture.
