Learning for the Future

"Today’s Technologies, Tomorrow’s Learning", by Jennifer Groff and Jason Haas

             Many people under the age of 18 are now using social networks, simulations, and digital games. Today, many students are being taught that these technologies are not welcome in the classroom. Teachers often tell their students stories of how disruptive digital games can be. What they do not realize is that there are organizations all over the world that are trying to incorporate digital games into the classroom, and creating games that help students learn. What some people do not understand is that these new technologies can actually be beneficial in the classroom. Social networking technologies can help teachers and students extend their learning into an additional space, a space for communicating, collaborating, sharing ideas, and sharing learning. A science teacher in Massachusetts has been using Starlogo: The Next Generation, a simulation. Simulations are analogies of real world situations. This has allowed students to demonstrate the principles of evolution theory or the factors in a forest fire, two concepts that would otherwise be difficult for the students to experience. The authors point out that if you bring school into the modern era, students will become more and more interested in it. Although there are technologies out there that can hinder one’s learning, there are so many new technologies designed to enhance a students learning. It is our job as teachers to pick one that interests us and engage our students in it. This will only amplify their learning experience.

             I think certain types of technologies like simulations, could be extremely beneficial in the classroom, particularly in a science class. I would use them in a natural science or environment type class. Students could use simulations to experience different factors of the earth’s cycle. Simulations allow them to experience natural occurrences in our world. It allows them to really understand concepts that would be difficult otherwise. I would use social networking in my classroom as well. This is a great idea having students blog and write about what they have learned. This makes sure that learning does not end in the classroom. Learning can be an ongoing tool at home. When students are writing about it outside of class, and even get their friends and classmates involved, education can be so much more enjoyable and interesting for them. I am learning that even though technology isn’t my favorite thing in the classroom, it is necessary for me to use it for my students. It is not about me, and I need to use technology to enhance THEIR learning, not mine.