Learning Conversations

It’s interesting to think about potential possibilities that current and future technologies might bring to Education. For example, Annie points out exciting ‘hardware’ on the horizon while Miriam discusses a current Web2 technology. As educators, I think we have a ‘2nd sense’ for what technologies might support the active, constructive, cooperative and authentic nature of ‘meaningful learning’ (as defined by Jonassen, 2008). Web2 tools, for example, usually have an inherent collaborative nature & could easily be used to support authentic K-12 tasks (like Miriam, Voicethread also captured my attention, as did Thinkature.) Indeed, online communities soon build up to allow educators to discuss ideas and showcase examples of using these valuable tools (e.g. see here ). Educator polls can also be a useful way to stay in touch with current trends. E.g. see this top tools for learning poll.

Where might new technologies take us in the near future? Collaboration, communication and connection are usually amongst the key themes in discussions of what a ‘Web 3 world’ might look like (e.g. see Kelly’s interesting talk) and indeed, what new directions educational technologies might take (e.g. see The Horizon 2008 report ).

(Graphic by Jim Nuttle & displayed here with his approval. See full sized version)

However, as Maree concludes in her recent posting, teachers and pedagogical approaches will always be the crucial factor. Regardless of the symbol systems and capabilities of these exciting ‘horizon’ learning technologies, HOW learning technologies are used (by students & teachers), should determine their influence on learning outcomes.

Educause (2008). The 2008 Horizon report. Retrieved 3rd Nov., 2008 from
http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2008-Horizon-Report.pdf

Jonassen, D. et al (2008). What is meaningful learning? In D. Jonassen et al.(Eds).Meaningful learning with technology. 3rd Edtn. pp1-12. Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, N.J.

Made available under Creative Commons 2.0 Attribution Licence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ Available here.

In the most influential edublog posting of 2007 (titiled: ‘Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?’ ), Fisch mentions: “I think there’s a general feeling among teachers (not all teachers, but many) that it’s okay to be technologically illiterate.” Hmm … my guess is that other professions possibly have a similar attitude & this situation is possibly just a symptom of the ‘digital revolution’ we’re living in right now. No doubt it will change over time. Fisch does acknowledge that teachers are primarily pedagogical experts and usually very busy creating learning opportunities for their students. Perhaps a more pertinent questions therefore is: To what extent can technology support students’ learning? What creative (unique?) opportunities are available for students to use technology to mediate the important social & reflective processes involved in authentic learning? Perhaps it is less a matter of being technologically literate and more an issue of ‘awareness’ of how technology might influence the learning process itself

Made available under Creative Commons 2.0 Attribution Licence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Available here

Just viewed the following commentary:

A ‘risk-taking’ teacher attitude seems to be crucial when it comes to using new technologies in the classroom. As the mantra in the video says: ‘what if I make a mistake? (in front of the kids!)’. Will I lose credibility? And what about all the other questions in the film that every teacher asks when ‘testing’ new web 2 technologies and associated teaching strategies in the classroom … eg. who will read this posting? What about plagiarism? etc. No easy solutions but nice to know that these feelings / concerns are shared amongst many others in the teaching profession. There’s nothing compulsory, but then again, kids might expect it and more importantly, might enjoy and benefit from it, depending on its purposeful and imaginative use.