The more I have been talking with current teachers who use technology in their classroom, the more I wonder if there is any other way? What I mean by this is technology and Social Media are large parts of most students lives. Some will be hesitant at first because they want to keep Social Media for their own personal social lives not for academics. From what I have heard from presenters and in talking with teachers, most students in the end get over that separation and embrace learning through these mediums.
When looking over the table of contents for the Horizon Report, certain headings caught my attention. These titles are:
Rethinking the Role of the Teacher
"Teachers are no longer the primary sources of information and knowledge for students when a quick web search is at their fingertips. Instead it is up to teachers to reinforce the habits and discipline that shape life-long learners — to ultimately foster the kind of curiosity that would compel their students to continue beyond an Internet search and dig deeper into the subject matter."The Horizon Report 10.
As I have gone through my education courses I have heard from many profs a similar version of this quote. It is interesting how education has shifted since I was in grade school; this is now almost 10 years ago just to put things into perspective. I remember being in school and listening to the teacher talk or read a textbook or if we were really lucky we would get to watch a movie. It was not until high school that I was finally able to begin research on the internet for assignments and projects. With students having so much information at their fingertips, teachers have to find away to keep up with that change, just like the quote above suggests. Teachers need to start thinking of themselves as coaches rather than teachers. In coaching we will help the students develop life long learning skills rather than overload them with the facts from a textbook.
Shift to Deeper Thinking Approaches
By working on self-directed projects where students think critically and communicate effectively, students are mastering core academic content aligned with 21st century skills while tackling real issues in their community and beyond. The Horizon Report page 12.
Some, not all, teachers are beginning to integrate project-based learning, problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and self-directed learning into their units. Students are not just learning the outcomes but more importantly developing skills that will benefit them in their future, as the quote above mentions. It through inquiry-based learning and self-directed learning that allows students to integrate technology. Today's student, most again not all, are very technologically savvy. Allowing them to use technology provides them with more opportunity to be creative.
Good teachers are always finding new ways to engage their students academically and creatively. The Horizon Report looks closely at the shift in Education as technology becomes a greater component. Teachers are using technology to teach and record information. Teacher need to be aware of all precautions to ensure the online safety of their students.
Today's teacher is shaping the future leaders!!! It is important that we prepare them with the tools and skills that will help them in their future.
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