Transforming Learning in the 21st Century

Chapter 3 – Transforming learning with unique PowerPoint Technology

 If you should visit any one of Collier County Public Schools, you will be sure to find a Media Room there. Yes, you will find book; lots and lots of books, but you will find technology and learning resources many teachers in that school did not even know to be there. We go through out teacher training courses putting much emphasis on the theories of: Behaviorism—learning is change in behavior, as a result of changes in the environment; Cognitivism--- learning is influenced by non-observable and internal constructs such as memory, motivation, perception, attention and metacognitive skills; Constructivism--- where learning is occurs through manipulating and interpreting the environment in one’s own, unique way; Constructivism--- where learners build on their own knowledge. Every teacher knows the KWL Chart, but Computers and other technologies used creatively can truly enhance student learning and test scores. It is not enough to learn these theories, but use technology to complement them and enhance the teaching and learning process in the 21^st century.

The teacher centered approach is a thing of the past. Today, research in the science of learning promotes the student centered approach. I personally love this approach because there is active student engagement; it keeps students on task. It does however require a lot of planning, organization and structure. In fact, a sound knowledge of technology is critical to the success of this approach. I relocated from one Public School System to another in Florida and found myself teaching third grade in this new System. Notably, as a third grade team, we met and sought to strategize ways in which we would use technology in our student centered classrooms. A new teacher, fresh out of University had some amazing tips to share with us. I must say that her knowledge really assisted us in our planning and implementation. Our students enjoyed the technology and it made our lives a lot easier. Unfortunately, not many teachers are receptive to new information, especially from a new graduate. Teachers need to be more open-minded. We are not “Know-it-alls” as some of us would like to believe.

We used technology for Science, for Communication and Collaboration, for Literacy, for interactive critical thinking and problem solving matters. No subject was excluded and our school remained an A-school in the district until I stopped keeping tabs. The fact is, students thrive when they are directly involved in the educational activities.  Digital technologies make five types of unique, powerful, transformative learning Technology possible. They are critical thinking and problem solving, digital literacies, electronic communications and collaborations, creativity, and digital citizenship (International Society for Technology in Education, 2007). The Tech Tools are many. They include Web Resources and Apps for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving and every other major area mentioned. The use of Technology in our schools is enabling as it facilitates expression in multiple ways. By utilizing these we care truly transform learning in unique ways.

 

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010). Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.