Discussion Question: Do you agree that "education needs to get its game on" as the article states? Explain.
This is a good article about the implications of avoiding technology integration in today's classroom. The strength of the author's argument lies in the admission that merely digitizing textbooks and using websites instead of encyclopedias for research does not leverage the full capacity of modern technology. The real strength comes when students learn from and teach each other; when they create their own text books, assessments; and when they collaborate with friends via social networks. Modern education technology tools are still evolving, but there are many resources currently available that will allow teachers to mobilize a student's personal network of peers to enhance learning.
The author closes with another great point, that modeling professional and academic discussions can be made easier through the use of technology tools. For example, I can create a VoiceThread to begin a class discussion or critique of a piece of art. Students are able to hear my thoughts and vocabulary, then create their own responses on their own time and when they are comfortable. As more student responses are added, those who need more help and direction can hear their peers modeling correct vocabulary and critiquing skills.
It is impossible to master every technology tool that can be used to enhance student learning, but we can work to do our best to help students learn at their full potential, using strategies that are relevant to their time and that will benefit them in the future.