Technology as a Tool for Learning
Technology is everywhere. It is in our offices, our classrooms, on our streets and in our hands. Technology in schools varies widely, but classroom computers, laptops, iPads, computer labs and Interactive Whiteboards are becoming more prevalent with each passing school year. With the availability of technology, teachers are encouraged to "incorporate tech" into their daily teaching practice. But what does this mean? In the 21st Century Teaching and Learning context, technology should be used as a tool to support students as they work through various projects. As Seymour Papert, a leading thinker in the use of technology for learning wrote: "The question is not "What will the computer do to us? The question is "What will we make of the computer?" (Papert, 1990). Papert argues that if we know our students and allow them to use technology to pursue topics and ideas of interest to them, "...each individual will come out with a sense of personal self-respect, empowerment, and love for oneself." (Papert, 1990).
By using available technology to view, listen to and read the stories of other members of society, either close to home or across the world, technology can be used as a tool to help students gain a deeper understanding of their place in the world. This can be extended by encouraging students to tell stories that are of importance to them, through various digital media.
References:
Bluecoat Photos. (2015). Devices in the Cloud - Technology [digital image]. Retrieved August 2, 2016 from https://www.flickr.com/photos/111692634@N04/16203260320
Papert, S. (1990). A Critique of Technocentrism in Thinking About the School of the Future. Retrieved August 2, 2016 from:http://papert.org/articles/ACritiqueofTechnocentrism.html
By using available technology to view, listen to and read the stories of other members of society, either close to home or across the world, technology can be used as a tool to help students gain a deeper understanding of their place in the world. This can be extended by encouraging students to tell stories that are of importance to them, through various digital media.
References:
Bluecoat Photos. (2015). Devices in the Cloud - Technology [digital image]. Retrieved August 2, 2016 from https://www.flickr.com/photos/111692634@N04/16203260320
Papert, S. (1990). A Critique of Technocentrism in Thinking About the School of the Future. Retrieved August 2, 2016 from:http://papert.org/articles/ACritiqueofTechnocentrism.html
