“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”
-John Dewey
Educational technology permeates daily life for all stakeholders of the school community ranging from curriculum and instruction to an invaluable communication tool. Educational technology is worth the hype, but the school leader and his/her decision-making team must assess the value of these new technologies. Education is at a crossroads, transitioning from rote learning into teaching 21st century skills and project-based learning, which are driven by essential questions fueled by student voice and choice.
Teaching 21st century skills requires a change in student, teacher, and parent mentality. It is a shift that demands of the participants the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn—to be adaptive, creative, risk-takers, problem solvers, critical thinkers, communicators, and team players. The goal and desire of educators is to spark a student’s interest and nurture a lifelong learner.
Educational technology facilitates student learning and engagement while allowing students to interact in a global educational arena. Without quality teachers, educational leaders, or parent engagement, educational technology is only a product. It is through the incorporation and interactions of technology that students build the skills and the thought process needed to creatively and innovatively solve the problems of tomorrow’s future.
Comments
Great read Heather. I love the point that without quality teachers technology is only a “product”. Meaningful interactions with peers, educators and community is the key ingredient when utilizing technology for education.