Technological advancements have changed many fundamental aspects at the core of our society, including education. Learning is being transformed by the availability of content to anyone with an internet connected device. There is enormous potential for change in learning as we leverage technology to connect. Schools continue to be important parts of our communities, however, they have yet to successfully transition teaching and learning to a model that utilizes available content and communications tools (Richardson, 4:46). Learning outside the classroom does not look like learning inside the classroom. Technology use in my district is critical because the ability to access tools, connect with other learners and to synthesize content will change the nature of our educational system.
According to the NMC Horizon Report: 2014 K-12 Edition, "the integration of technology into everyday life is causing many educational thought leaders to argue that schools should be providing ways for students to continue to engage in learning activities, formal and informal, beyond the traditional school day" (p. 6). This argument is made as education reflects change in society, change driven by economics. Author Daniel Pink contends that simple, routine, algorithmic work is becoming automated in the 21st Century and is now a commodity (Pink, 7:03). Skills that will be valued in the future will be centered around complex, creative and conceptual work machines are incapable of. As author Ken Robinson puts it, "creativity now is as important in education as literacy" (Robinson, 2:24).
Those responsible for maintenance of technology within a school district's organization are poised to play a greater role in classrooms by making tools useful for instruction and modeling its use for continued learning. Individuals with skill in technology understand the importance of a mindset that includes lifelong learning. With a deeper understanding of the needs of education they can act as a catalyst for change within the system.
References:
(Co)lab Summit. (2014, March 29). Transforming education: Will Richardson at (co)lab summit 2013 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TZfWqao6uA
New Media Consortium (2014). Horizon report: 2014 higher education edition. Austin, TX: Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Estrada, V. & Freeman, A.
TED 2006. (2006, February). Ken Robinson: How schools kill creativity [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity?language=en
TED Global 2009. (2009, July). Dan Pink: The puzzle of motivation [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation/transcript?language=en
Your referenced statement by Richardson that "schools continue to be important parts of our communities, however, they have yet to successfully transition teaching and learning to a model that utilizes available content and communications tools" really struck me when reading your vision statement. Too often schools and educators are focusing on the "routine algorithmic work" instead of developing creativity and problem solving skills in their students. I think education (schools/educators) is getting closer to developing these new goals, and technology use will be essential in driving the change.
ReplyDeleteI liked your reference video file by Richardson. He brings up a lot of valid reasons why technology should be incorporated into education to change the status quo.
I agree, I think there are some bright spots in education that emphasize creativity and critical thinking. It gives me hope to hear Michael Fullan say that he sees this type of thinking "bubbling up" everywhere. Despite this recognition in my district, however, I do not feel adequate sense of urgency. I guess our test scores are just good enough.
DeleteRichardson is a good follow on Twitter (@willrich45). He's also got a site with plenty of great resources (https://modernlearners.com).
I found it interesting your comment about "creativity now is as important in education as literacy" (Robinson, 2:24). I never thought of myself as a "creative" person. I don't draw well or make cute craft projects. But creativity is a bit different in this context. It is more like "thinking outside of the box." I wonder what is the best way to teach this type of creativity.
ReplyDeleteThe Dan Pink talk is fresh in my memory as I recently had the opportunity to hear him speak. His bit about creativity centered around commissioned and noncommissioned work, the constraints around commissioned work, and autonomy associated with noncommissioned work. Creativity is more likely to flow when you are intrinsically motivated. Get to that by knowing why your work is important and knowing that work is moving forward, making a difference.
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