Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Digital Divide... A battle not yet won.



What to teach?
                 When to teach it?
                                        How to teach it?
                                                             What grades to teach it to?


Battles of education through curriculum development and testing procedures. These questions are enough to drive any teacher crazy and worry any administrator to their core. But what exactly happens in the world of digital learning. 


Who benefits?
                  Who is included?
                                         How are they monitored?


Is the learning experience the same for all digital students?

As some institutions boast this is the "school of the individual" or a "school of one." The digital divide is growing larger and groups are forming opinions on the matter. 

According to Paul E. Peterson in his article "A Pedagogical Divide in the World of Digital Learning" "One side of the argument feel digital learning is not about learning fractions, long division, Mandarin, chemistry or calculus.  It is about cooperating with diverse groups of students from across the globe, playing games, and creating new things. Through such unstructured activities, a student will acquire the 21st Century skills of creativity, openness, playfulness, and cooperation." Whereas others feel that "Digital courses should be created and distributed freely by schools, universities and selfless servants of the public.  Perhaps there is some connection between this perspective and the notion of what is to be taught in a course.  If one only needs to teach creativity, cooperation and 21st century skills, then course construction may be done as a hobby or left to students themselves."




On youtube countless people throw around their opinions, the discussion rages on in the world of Twitter @ #edchat. Here we see Geoffrey Canada talking about his opinion on learning in the digital age.   

Example of a possible E-Learning Framework provided by Badrul H Kahn

This debate will rage on and on and just as Mr. Peterson says "Digital Learning is coming, but the battle over its form and content is just beginning" 

So what are you thoughts...
              Who should be taught?
                              How should they be taught? 
                                               Should this be at home or in school?

Check it out... Get connected... Be the first... Just experiment...


The "New Media Consortium Horizon Report for 2011" is out and provides a good overall report on new trends and tries to predict what will be relevant from 1 year to five years down the road. Through this class we are lucky to have a deeper appreciation for technology and as future principals we must lead in the experimentation and implementation of future technologies. 


Check it out...




Get Connected...
Talk to fellow educators and administrators. Figure out where you see your classroom, school, and district headed. Arrange times to meet or email and research more and more about the future of technology.

Be the First...

Don't be afraid of what is to come. Go out on a limb and be the expert invite others to jump in with you. We may never know totally what the best use of technology may be in the future but if we commit to some and use it in best practices possible it will be worth the effort. 

Just Experiment...

 Technology is a tool, it is adaptable, and can be modified. Do not be bound by it, or use it in only one way. Experiment with it allow students and other educators to experiment with it.  Please Have Fun With Technology.
  
Complete Horizon Report 2011


Obesity and Technology... Taking an "outside the box" approach to a GROWING problem.

The stats are shocking and the predictions for the future are disturbing. Children are less and less active and obesity is not just a problem but a growing epidemic that must be addressed because some physicians believe that if our children continue down this path that their generation may be the first to be outlived by their parents. Thirty percent of students are overweight or obese and in Hispanic or African American communities that number jumps to Forty percent. This effects children's overall health, self-esteem, social behavior, and even academic success. Many blame technology (video games, computers, TV ect...). Dr. Arlene Ackerman (Superintendent of Philadelphia School District) points out that "Technology and convenience are two aspects of our students' daily lives that can have remarkable benefits or can enable harmful habits." in an email sent to all teachers in the district today. We must promote healthy habits and encourage our students to get out and be active. 



This yet another Presidential emphasis and concern. First Lady Michelle Obama has created the "Let's Move" campaign in order to raise awareness and promote activity and healthy lifestyles for families and students. 

Technology needs to be a benefit to this cause and not a hinderance. Technology is not going away and it will be used more and more in our schools and our lives and it is because of this that we can not just let it be a source of these problems. 

Nintendo Wii, X-Box Kinect, and Sony's PS move combine gaming with movement. Perhaps, a free time station or classroom reward. Several websites provide education, games, and exercises to be researched and enacted upon. Someday even the iPod may promote activity by being solely charged by a person's heartbeat. 

I understand that technology has played a role in this growing problem but it doesn't need to be treated as a necessary evil. Technology can evolve and adapt to become a benefit and guide to our students.    


Best Workout Websites- Combining Technology and Fitness