Technology in Education

This speech was brought to my attention via my productive evesdropping (as termed by a teacher in my social network). Though I did not hear the speech personally, I do hear the voice in the speech. It is a familiar one to those in the technology industry. The message is a familiar to me, I have even spoke about it. My perspective may be different then those who teach in other disiplines. Technology is intertwined in all of our lives personal and professional. I pose questions the around this topic. Are the goals realistic? Is the information that is brought here realistic? What ways can we move forward to reach your technology goals? I know those are very broad questions. Feel free to comment on any component of this mornings topic.
Thank you
Kay

Effective Technology

I have been thinking about technology it's role in education. The balance of time, the implementation of the tools, the upfront purposeful planning; all contribute to the complex web that stifles some and motivates others. As the changes in technology continue and grow at an exponential rate, I believe we must stay focused at the goal and purpose. This year I feel more conversations will be around teaching the skill to learn, not a specific program but how to learn to work in many formats, learning to learn. Todays youth are familiar with the digital world, they recognized universal icons for on, play, start, etc. Any interactive web site is initially viewed in the similar way, if it has arrows and buttons the learning strategy tends to be click first, read second (if at all). Can a connection in learning be achieved with this technique?

Not only do we need to expose students to digital material designed to connect learning, we need to take the time to help them connect their learning. I have noticed (at the elementary level) better understanding and increased by the modeling the process of inquiry via technology.

Perhaps more opportunities to connect learning with the well known process of "I do", "We do" "You do" could be applied in technology integration. Beginning in the classroom with the tools you have, modeling best practice, shared opportunities (we do) and independent practice (you do). Where can we start?