PBS: Digital Media

How and why should we embrace the changes we are facing in education?  According to the PBS video students of today need 21st Century tools to survive in the 21st Century world.  Students need a range of skills, not just "survival in the workplace".  It is our duty as educators to direct student learning to shape a "World Experience", not just a classroom experience.

This video explored several institutions that focus on such a philosophy.  These schools presented an untraditional, system-based, and problem-solving approach to learning.  The institution that stood out, was the Science Leadership in Philadephia.  The teachers discussed their approach to what would normally be a "traditional" lesson.  There was a strong statement made by one of the educators, that if students are producing work that they know will be presented beyond the teacher, then they will tend to put more effort into it.  If they realize that their product goes beyond their classroom walls, then they will have more pride in their work.

The closing statements of the video, really stuck with me...

Technology must be a part of what you do.  However, you must find the right method for the project and tools necessary.  Don't just use technology for the sake of using it.

Also,  things are bound to go wrong with the use of technology.  You are bound to hit roadblocks.  However, students are more likely to help themselves and each other to overcome those roadblocks, this becomes part of their learning process.