Learning Styles 2.0

As a full time student and part time substitute, reading about the uses of technology in a classroom allow me to explore the concept of having my own classroom in the next few years, and given me endless possibilities as to what myself and my students can do to better the experience through the use of technology.

“We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.” -Peter Drucker

Drucker's quote was incredibly meaningful and intimidating upon beginning to dissect this article. The word "change" in his statement could mean a variety of things, but in this specific article I feel like the use of technology was high on his list. Although I was lucky enough to be introduced to computers, the internet, and all that goes along with it at a young age, our generation of teachers have an added responsibility when working with the up and coming generation, who have had the internet for seemingly, their entire lives. The possibilities are endless, but there are multiple issues that could arise if teachers do not instruct their students how to properly and effectively utilize technology to better their education.

The article discusses the roles that teachers should take on to help shift the responsibility of one's education to the student (ie, student centered learning). Those roles include acting as a facilitator while also providing "road blocks and resources."

Along with the aspect of being student centered, the article discusses other attributes to create the best digital learning experience. Allowing students to interact with technology can create mindful and appropriate learning, otherwise they may as well read information straight out of a textbook. The ability to interact and work WITH technology is among one of its amazing benefits. Also, making the technology use authentic, giving students a purpose or goal to learn will create a much more efficient environment to learn.

Also, similar to what our class is experiencing with this website, a collaborative aspect also adds to a student's experience. Being able to interact with the internet is a great quality, as well as working with other students in the classroom to build wikis, blogs, receive and give feedback, support, etc. All this is possible when properly utilizing technology in a classroom.

Finally, the idea of being "on-demand." In this day and age students are able to access information via internet, computer, cell phone, ipod, ipad, blackberry, text messages, etc. Thanks to this, students are given the right to view such content whenever, however and wherever they please. While this makes for incredibly convenience, it does run into the idea of multitasking and if that promotes the best possible outcomes with learning.