The age of technology has shifted the way people process information. The Internet is now the greatest source of reference information including access to literature, lectures, and presentation from all around the world. The evolution of technology naturally contributes to the evolution of people. It is important to understand that the expectations and interests of today’s learners are a direct reflection of modern times. Those that promote progressive educational methods agree that current educational trends are behind the times with thefoundations of such practice based upon theories developed during the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution is over, and it is time for today’s educational planning to reflect the advancements of modern times.
The question is, what works for modern learners? Developmental research tells us that all students do not learn in the same way. It is important that modern instructional designs accommodate for a diverse student population. Theorists like Howard Gardner and Eric Jensen suggest that the learning process should include a layering of learning approaches for example: auditory learning, visual learning, and hands-on learning. One way to incorporate many different learning approaches is through virtual learning environments. The age of technology allows for fast access to many types of resources including knowledgeable individuals, associations, organization, and businesses, along with traditional research materials. Virtual learning environments allow for information to be presented and exchanges through videos, conference, literature, podcasts, blogs etc. These formats not only reflect a variety of learning abilities but also leave room for students to contribute rather than just being taught to. Students working in a virtual environment are presented with the tools to learn in a global environment rather than a single classroom with one teacher.
Open access to resources modernizes the role of the teacher. The teacher is no longer the primary source of information. Michael Wesch suggests that the role of the instructor may be shifting towards managing education rather than providing all the material.
Personal learning environments (PLE) are an example of the teacher managing education rather than conducting. A PLE is a learning process in which the teacher guides students through a self-discovery learning process by providing them with feedback, helping them organize into groups, and connecting them with experts, colleagues, and pertinent information. The PLE heavily relies on the use of Web 2.0 tools to organize information and contacts. Virtual learning environments and personal learning environments both require that the learner possess a working knowledge level of Web 2.0 tools. (Educause, 2009)
In my opinion I think that modern learners should become familiar and utilized Web 2.0 tools. The uses of these tools could be considered life skills and are required in many of today’s fields of work along with personal communication. Instructional design using virtual learning is a great way for students to synthesize and apply the information presented to them in more traditional instruction. I don’t think that technology should completely replace the role of a classroom teacher however I do think that teachers need to utilize technology as a major source in their curriculum planning. It is fair to consider that half of the learning process could be conducted through a virtual environment. Tactile learning and face-to-face engagement are still extremely important and contribute to both cognitive and social development. I think that most teachers would agree that they would be willing to incorporate web 2.0 tools and virtual learning environments into their curriculum if the proper equipment were available to them.
New schools should make technology equipment a priority. The ideal situation is a 1-1 student to computer facility however most schools systems do not have the budget to accommodate that ratio as well as the costs of updating technology at this rate. I think at the minimum plans for new schools should include a departmental computer lab with enough equipment for a classroom of students. A new school should be equipped with digital cameras, video cameras, and vocal recording software. The use of this equipment is becoming common practice in society and schools should provide and incorporate them as educational tools.
Excellent post, Micheline:) I think the departmental computer lab is a good start toward getting the 1-1 student/computer ratio.
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