(Chapter 9 Reflection)
New schools need new way of thinking about education. The traditional educational system was not designed for digital natives. This does not necessarily mean changing what we teach, but how we teach it and assess it. The traditional classroom restricts students to create work only for the eyes of their classmates, or even worse, only for the eyes of their teacher. Our students live in a social media world in which they expect an audience for their creations. We should provide a way to ensure students have an audience for their work in order to motivate them to do their very best. Also, our students may no longer be motivated to learn by simply earning a high grade. What will motivate our students is something that they can show off and be proud of.
New schools need new way of thinking about education. The traditional educational system was not designed for digital natives. This does not necessarily mean changing what we teach, but how we teach it and assess it. The traditional classroom restricts students to create work only for the eyes of their classmates, or even worse, only for the eyes of their teacher. Our students live in a social media world in which they expect an audience for their creations. We should provide a way to ensure students have an audience for their work in order to motivate them to do their very best. Also, our students may no longer be motivated to learn by simply earning a high grade. What will motivate our students is something that they can show off and be proud of.
As teachers, we can research and seek out ways to teach and assess students in a more authentic, engaging way. There are so many ways to present information and assess learning using Web 2.0 tools. Teachers can start small and spark the flame for a more technological educational system. The article A Day in the Life of Web 2.0 discusses how teachers can use technology to collaborate and create meaningful instruction in which each subject is connected and complement each other. When a school is all in on Web 2.0 tools, it creates a connected, supportive team of school staff who are better able to provide meaningful learning experiences for students.
