Technology and the 21st Century Learner

I have seen this video before and even though it was created 2007, it is still powerful today.  Students need to be provided with meaningful, real world activities or they are not going to be engaged in their learning. Sitting in a classroom being feed information with lecturing and teacher demonstration alone can not appeal to all learning styles.  This method of instruction will often force students to memorize information that, if they don't understand why it is important, they will forget.

The ongoing development and access to new technologies in education has impacted teaching in a multitude of ways.  With today’s students, as young as Kindergarten, having access to cell phones, tablets and computers, teachers are no longer able to use technology simply for presenting a lesson.  It is now possible, if not necessary, for students to take ownership of their learning and use technology to discover, create, present and collaborate.  Students are not only able to share what they are learning with their teachers, but also with classmates and schools around the world.

Additionally, the classroom can be more easily connected to home with websites such as Edmodo.  If these types of sites are used effectively, parents are granted easy access to what is happening in the classroom.  Students can discuss what they have learned, complete assignments and take quizzes.  Teachers are able to give speedy feedback and jump in on the discussions.

Having these new technologies also requires additional responsibilities.  Students need to be taught the technology and the programs being used.  Managing the use of devices appropriately and ensuring student online safety also have to be addressed.

The 21^st Century demands students learn with advancing technology in order for students to be college and career ready.