Why do we have digital technology in the classroom?
Digital Literacy is about the ability to use technology to navigate and evaluate, critically analyse information and find and create information. It is about being able to digitally communicate and participate effectively in a digital world. Most careers in the 21st Century require people to effectively communicate through a range of devices and forms of communication.
The Waldorf School that has taken all technology use out of their school are at risk of developing students not ready for the 21st Century Society. Students need to learn to effectively use the devices At my current school this year I have been leading the introduction of BYOD into the school for 2016. As a school we have been looking the 21st Century Learner Framework and how to prepare students with the necessary skills in technology for the future. Developing the life and career skills to be flexible and adaptable, taking the initiative and skills in leadership and responsibility. Including technology in the classroom provides opportunities for students to lead their learning and collaborate, critically analyse, create and evaluate information in ways they wouldn't be able to do without technology. It also engages the students and enables them to produce quality work in a variety of formats.
I agree with your Matt. I think this response is irresponsible to their students. It is a shortsighted move, one that the students will feel the ramifications of - not the parents or teachers who made this decision for them. I'm surprised that this move was approved by so many members of the community- I'd have though the regional / state education board would have interceded. When I have some breathing space between assignments, I"d like to look at the curriculum documents for that state. I speculate that in the future they would have technologies syllabus (as does Australia) or ICT capabilities that cross each of the curriculum documents.
ReplyDeleteAs always, moderation is the key. Overly using technology to the point where it is not authentically implemented to genuinely assist learning is not helpful in the long term. But the Waldof solution, is also at the upper end of ridiculous.