My previous post outlined a few of the drivers behind the use of technology in our current classroom practises. Discussed were three very different sources of research, that begin to [...]
Buzz had it right when he challenged Woody's 21st Century appeal and functionality as an engaging toy. But is it really just about the bells and whistles? As our current learners make their way to infinity and beyond…. our classrooms, is the act of using technology equipping our students with all of the skills they need for the future? Are we really preparing them to "reach for the stars"?
During my time as a teacher, Head of Teaching & Learning and ICT Education Specialist, I have come across schools who have successfully implemented new technologies into the classroom, as well as those that have been less successful. From this, I know that it all begins with the approach. In the case of Office 365, [...]
It is staggering the number of teachers and educational leaders that comment how frustrated they are in the lack of educational change taking place, despite the 21st Century Learning mantra. And I get it. We are talking a lot, but it feels like not a great deal is happening. Perhaps this is because while educational leaders share a common understanding of the importance of change, innovation and preparing students for the ‘real-world’, there isn’t a clear cut way of leading this agenda within our schools in a way that impacts directly on student outcomes. To go along with this, some feel completely ham-strung by change in government policy, curriculum frameworks and the standardised testing agenda. This massively influences the way teachers design assessment, often to the detriment of learning to such end that is has been referred to as the ‘silent killer of learning’. So who’s got a bullet proof vest?
In an era of rapid technology development, it’s hard not to conclude that education is at a crossroads. World experts on the interaction between technology, pedagogy and innovation believe we live in an era where students are potentially learning more at home than they are at school because that is where they have better access to information and connection to other people all over the world.
