Technology encourages students to take ownership in their learning

According to UNESCO’s report on mobile learning in North America, “mobile learning involves more than merely incorporating new technology into current pedagogical strategies; it requires an instructional paradigm shift that promises to fundamentally change the way students learn.” As you continue to review the literature and the case studies in this week, share your thoughts on this instructional shift.

I like how the use of technology mentioned in ICT article encourages students to manage their own progress and take ownership in their learning. I do feel when allowing students the opportunity to use cell phones or any type of device leads to better student engagement and collaboration when teachers understand how to utilize the technology within the lessons.

Unfortunately often school administration or teachers are against allowing cell phones or personal devices within the classroom because of the negative issues associated with social media or cyber bullying or other aspects of what we hear within the news. I believe this is due to the lack of educators teaching students how to properly use these devices for personal benefit to grow their education along with the consequences of using the devices for improper use. We must have a plan to educate our students on how to properly use these devices then have a plan on how we want to utilize them within the learning environment. Often times we fail at this because we just want to use technology without any plan on how it will enhance the learning environment.

We must do a better job at training teachers on how to utilize technology to enhance the learning through professional development. Training students on how to utilize the devices properly then training teachers on how to use the technology to enhance the learning should be the first part of any innovation plan. Using technology within the classroom or outside the classroom will help bridge the gap in learning from the different group of students. It will also allow all students to collaborate with other students or teachers on topics being discussed to develop a deeper and higher learning opportunity. Technology allows all students a voice and more ownership in their learning as they are more comfortable working in environments that are more relevant to themselves. Today’s students have grown up around technology and we must find ways to incorporate it into the learning so it will become relevant to them within the learning environment then more of just a social tool.

I plan on keeping these ideas and issues I have picked up in the readings as I develop my innovation plan on using a flipped classroom and technology to enhance a learning environment that will open up more hands on and interactive learning that will develop a higher learning atmosphere tied to more real world issues.