Technology+as+a+Tool+to+Drive+Learning

Home II Current Use II Future II Hazen II School 2.0 II Technology Tool II Why use Technology

Technology is a tool that helps learning. It is not meant to be used just because it is available.
How do we make technology more seamless?

What ways do students have a deeper, authentic sense of learning that goes beyond performing well on standarized tests?

Do students really learn more when completing collaborative tasks? How much time should be split during a session between independent and collaborative activities?

Here is an interesting article that talks about too much animation being a bad thing for student learning. Custom animation in PowerPoint lectures negatively impacts student learning, University of North Carolina researchers have found. http://www.physorg.com/news163936965.html Intuitively, I've always discouraged students from using too many "Bells and whistles". This study supports that view

The NSTA is developing some 21st century  framework: NSTA and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills released the 21st Century Skills and Science Map this week at the National Education Computing Conference (NECC). The map provides educators with teacher-created models of how 21st century skills can be infused into classroom instruction and highlights the critical connections between science and specific core skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and communication. “The 21st Century Skills and Science map, which includes examples taken directly from science classrooms, represents a tool for teachers and students as they move toward a 21st century education system,” said Dr. Francis Eberle, executive director of the National Science Teachers Association. “Through a combination of rigorous coursework and the application of skills such as communication, collaboration and innovation, science courses come alive and better engage students. In turn, students will enjoy learning more and achieve a higher level of excellence.”

The skills map can be viewed at http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/documents/21stcskillsmap_science.pdf

This framework looks to be useful for all areas although the examples are slanted toward science education.