I have used this blog on several occasions, and others in the edblogosphere have used their blogs to ask where the examples and research are that support integrating tech into the school curriculum? I have my own experience to tell me that tech along with project-based, problem-based approaches is valuable. In my opinion especially for “At-Risk†students, a strong field trip program along with the arts and physical education to build the schema so lacking otherwise should also be part of the curriculum. But, where is the support for that approach outside of those of us that have embraced it on our own? There has been for quite awhile research available that supports tech integration, but mainly in writing and a few other areas. Now comes a “study of studies,†that shows promise for tech as a valuable educational tool.
The report – Technology in Schools: What the Research Says
discusses many valuable approaches including: Social networking, Gaming Interactive Whiteboards, PDA’s, and 1:1 learning initiatives. When discussing social networking the report states:
“Educators are finding that reflective dialog augments learning. Social networking accelerates learning and is facilitated by technology. Students are highly motivated to communicate via technology be it text messaging, email, instant messaging, talking, or videoconferencing. Social networking via technology can connect students to a broad range of interactivity that sharpens and extends thinking and piques intellectual curiosity.â€
About Gaming:
“The power behind games is in the concentrated attention of the user to an environment that continuously reinforces knowledge, scaffolds learning, provides leveled, appropriate challenges, and provides context to the learning of content.â€
This report is not about saying that tech is the magic bullet – it makes the point that:
“Researchers find that extracting the full learning return from a technology investment requires much more than the mere introduction of technology with software and web resources aligned with the curriculum. It requires the triangulation of content, sound principles of learning, and high-quality teaching—all of which must be aligned with assessment and accountability.â€
And:
“…it is an enabling force behind globalization, knowledge work, and entrepreneurship, and thus students must understand the role it plays in transforming political, social, cultural, civic, and economic systems around the world.â€
Technology in Schools: What the Research Says – is downloadable as an 18 page PDF file including 2 pages of research citations.
Good day there. I’m intrigued by the report, as I am by any report concerning technology. I haven’t read the full report either but it’s very interesting to hear the two sides to the learning/education issues. I come to this page via Will Richards. I have found visiting these sites to be both enlightening and somewhat alarming. These sites discuss the grand use of technology to do various cross-country explorations of real issues that are important to students, not some lame ideas thought up by someone out of tune with the present generation. Although I do find that technology can greatly advance the learning that goes on, I am concerned by the fascination, almost at a fetish state, of youth and the desire to connect them/with them in this new flat socialization context so that they can do real learning and contribut to school in a meaningful way. btw, I have a know a few students in my time that were the first to graduate and go on to do some pretty great things and none, not one, built a webpage at school. However, all of them remember the talks and the fact that there was a concerned adult who truly cared about what happened. I did it through my love of litereature. I’m thiniking we may be losing focus – its not the medium but the fact you take time to care. btw, we have an awesome artistic program in our school – students are touched and encouraged to express themselves through several different mediums – by someone who has a passion and will take the time to care. I may be completely out to lunch, which has been known to happen but finding out what makes that kid learn is more important than any one tool – technology included. Do we need always to communicate with someone somewhere else? Have the people who live and breath with us each day become disposable by a community that exists only on the net? I’m reminded of the Ray Bradbury book FARENHEIT 451 – it’s scary. I’d love to continue this but I’ve probably offended most people who dial into these ideas. There don’t seem to be too many dissenting views who blog!
K