Today's Student
Retrieved from:http://www.flickr.com
Technology plays a role in children's lives both in and out of school. Our students are the first generation to grow up in a world where technology is a part of every aspect of their lives. Prensky (2001) calls them “Digital Natives”, compared to teachers who are “Digital Immigrants”. The latter are responsible for changing teaching methodologies and practices in order connect with students. Our tutorial will not only help teachers to bridge the gap between digital immigrants and digital natives, but will promote 21st century learning and constructivist practices in the classroom.
Skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity are 21st century learning skills that are essential for students to be successful citizens and workers (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2011). Media and digital literacy play a key role the 21st century classroom with students using technology to help develop these skills. All these skills are integrated into core academic disciplines, such as Mathematics and Science. The iPad presents countless possibilities for students to collaborate with others, communicate understanding, demonstrate creativity and think critically across subject areas.
Keengwe, Onchwari, & Wachira (2008), state that when technology is used properly, it affords students opportunities for meaningful learning. iPads support inquiry and problem based learning, and provide students with opportunities to construct knowledge and answer questions (Bennett, 2011). When using iPads in their classrooms, teachers will discover students familiar with this technology. This situation affords teachers the opportunity to have such students take on a leadership role and help less knowledgeable peers. Teachers will also be using tools present in the everyday lives of students, making the learning experience more authentic and connected to the real world. It is our belief that by presenting teachers with the necessary skills and resources including apps and lesson/project ideas for iPads in Mathematics and Science that we will help teachers create a student centered and constructivist learning environment where students are actively engaged in their learning.
References:
Bennett, K.R. (2011). Less than a Class Set. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39 (4), pp 22-25. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learningandleading
Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., & Wachira, P. (2008). The use of computer tools to support meaningful learning.
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2011). Framework for 21st century learning. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/overview/skills-framework
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6.
Skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity are 21st century learning skills that are essential for students to be successful citizens and workers (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2011). Media and digital literacy play a key role the 21st century classroom with students using technology to help develop these skills. All these skills are integrated into core academic disciplines, such as Mathematics and Science. The iPad presents countless possibilities for students to collaborate with others, communicate understanding, demonstrate creativity and think critically across subject areas.
Keengwe, Onchwari, & Wachira (2008), state that when technology is used properly, it affords students opportunities for meaningful learning. iPads support inquiry and problem based learning, and provide students with opportunities to construct knowledge and answer questions (Bennett, 2011). When using iPads in their classrooms, teachers will discover students familiar with this technology. This situation affords teachers the opportunity to have such students take on a leadership role and help less knowledgeable peers. Teachers will also be using tools present in the everyday lives of students, making the learning experience more authentic and connected to the real world. It is our belief that by presenting teachers with the necessary skills and resources including apps and lesson/project ideas for iPads in Mathematics and Science that we will help teachers create a student centered and constructivist learning environment where students are actively engaged in their learning.
References:
Bennett, K.R. (2011). Less than a Class Set. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39 (4), pp 22-25. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learningandleading
Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., & Wachira, P. (2008). The use of computer tools to support meaningful learning.
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2011). Framework for 21st century learning. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/overview/skills-framework
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6.
The voice of the Active Learner [Video File]. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ5Vy9BgSeY
Image retrieved from:http//:flickr.com
Image retrieved from:http//:flickr.com