Assuming that our current educational system does not satisfy the needs of most of our learners, what would work?
I'm sure that a lot of us have asked that question. Here are my personal insights. Let me know what you think.
The new buzz term at our district is Differentiated Instruction. Would it not be wonderful if every student learned at their own pace, if the content was customizable to the student's needs and interests, if the resources were available 24/7, if students directed their own learning?
While researching for my first post, I found a very interesting article by Michaela W. Colombo and Paul D. Colombo Using Blogs to Improve Differentiated Instruction. Among the key ideas that they discuss is that technology makes it possible cater to the needs, strengths, and interests of students across the whole learning spectrum. Moreover, collaborative technology allows students to develop some real world skills that they will need to use outside of the classroom to succeed in life, such as social and metacognitive skills.
I strongly believe that technology could help us individualize instruction and learning for each of our students. When we individualize their learning, they are able to draw from their strongest multiple intelligences, and direct their own learning. Just like in the example posted by Michael Wesch Anti-Teaching: Confronting the Crisis of Significance, students take charge of their own learning and thus, subject content is both relevant and significant to the student.
While researching for my first post, I found a very interesting article by Michaela W. Colombo and Paul D. Colombo Using Blogs to Improve Differentiated Instruction. Among the key ideas that they discuss is that technology makes it possible cater to the needs, strengths, and interests of students across the whole learning spectrum. Moreover, collaborative technology allows students to develop some real world skills that they will need to use outside of the classroom to succeed in life, such as social and metacognitive skills.
I strongly believe that technology could help us individualize instruction and learning for each of our students. When we individualize their learning, they are able to draw from their strongest multiple intelligences, and direct their own learning. Just like in the example posted by Michael Wesch Anti-Teaching: Confronting the Crisis of Significance, students take charge of their own learning and thus, subject content is both relevant and significant to the student.
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Saray,
ReplyDeleteI too believe that technology could help us individualize instruction and learning for each student. I have seen in my class alone the impact technology has made on my student's life. Just 2 days ago, my promethean board's projector died. The tech person said that it had to be repaired and it would take until next school year to get it back. My students heard her tell me this. I had some upset kids on my hand! They actually told her that Mrs. Dale needs her board, because we use it a lot. What are we suppose to do without it. They went to the principal on my behalf. You know what? I have a new projector. He gave me one that was in a room that was not being used. See what the love of technology and the support of your students can do in a democratic classroom?
I see technology making a difference in my student's lives everyday. Bravo to Technology!
Wow, Emily, That's a wonderful story! Thanks for passing it along. I'm so glad to see how you're using technology to impact your students' lives.
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