Learning with Technology

"“Alexa, What’s the temperature?”

“Alexa, How much does Kevin Durant make?”

“Alexa, play Beastie Boys.”

These commands are more and more common around our house as my kids learn how to get answers to their questions and access content. My 8 and 10-year-olds have grown up in a world where they can command information and content on demand, where they can pick their favorite TV show on Netflix, or watch videos on YouTube on any topic that piques their interest. They know a vast amount of information exists for their learning, and they can tap into multiple devices to access information, people, and entertainment—whenever they want and wherever they are. But it’s fair to point out that just because we can find the information doesn’t mean that a Google search should be our default.

The challenge here is that technology increasingly provides easy access to answers, but if we focus only on the answers and not on thinking, questioning, and solving, we rob students of powerful learning experiences. Perhaps more significantly, we fail to develop the 21st-century literacies that will empower them to solve complex problems and be lifelong learners. As technology advances, the role of educators (and parents) to model and guide learners to find information and to learn to how to ask better questions has become even more crucial in the development of critical thinkers. "

Via John Evans

By Trevor MacKenzie

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

We teachers are constantly reflecting on our practice and professional growth. We want to make sure we are doing the best for our students despite the demands of constant assessment, unanticipated curricular changes and continually changing student needs and demographics. Combined with our own desire for excellence, this is so overwhelming. I’ve attended really inspiring professional development, only to figure out that teaching materials, specialized training and additional technology are out of reach for most school budgets. Where can teaching professionals go for support as we try to improve?

I have discovered rich support and learning in my own backyard when I have collaborated with my teacher-librarian. This educational professional is often under-utilized in a school environment. Many teachers see the librarian interact only with students, but they are invaluable resources for teachers as well.

Via John Evans