Have you heard the term "digital natives?" It is a term used to describe the students who are sitting in our classrooms today. They are "native" to technology, as they most likely have seen and used computers, cell phones, i-pods, digital cameras, and more. People my age, who grew up remembering the exciting day when a parent came home with a COLOR t.v. as opposed to the black and white model; and who also remember when the rotary phone was replaced with a push-button model, and then a CORDLESS one---well we have been described as "digital immigrants." We have had to change how we operate, communicate to respond to new technologies...and for us, like an immigrant in a new world--it hasn't always been easy.
Students in Escanaba have had some great technology solutions available to them. We have computer labs in each building. We use software such as Accelerated Reader, and Compass Learning to target instruction and to measure student progress like never before. However, it is not enough.
Technology can leverage learning in ways not achievable with typical paper/pencil exercises. It can engage students to think more creatively and critically. It can open up "regional thinking" to "global thinking".
In order to do this, we need to plan on how we'll immerse students into project-based learning that is based on real-world situations and problems, and give them the resources to investigate and analyze information, and the means to collaborate and communicate with others about their learning.
What will the classroom of tomorrow look like?
The next Escanaba Public School Board meeting will feature a report on technology in Escanaba, and where we hope to move. (February 15, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.)
How soon can "the classroom of tomorrow" happen?
I hope it can happen as soon as possible, because our students will benefit.