Meaningful Use of 21st Century Tools
This section will address the Meaningful use of 21st Century Tools. Technology can be seen in almost every classroom in North America. From Smartboards to IPads classrooms are becoming increasingly adaptable to the 21st Century learner. The question is how can technology be used in a meaningful way to enhance education? What is the distinction between a 21st Educational tool and a tool that is designed to enhance quality of life or are can they be one in the same?
For the purposes of this portfolio, 21st Century Educational tools will be defined by any technological tool that when utilized effectively promotes the learning of the 3 R’s (core subjects) in conjunction with the 4 C’s( communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity) ( Quest to Learn, 2013). These tools are generally technological but can be found on and off line. Tools commonly used offline would be smart boards and even lessons that promote the tenets of a student centred constructivist environment ie: lessons that are collaborative, creative, constructive. More technological tools would be ipads, smartphones, tablets, sites accessed online. Web 2.0 plays a key role in utilization of some of these tools as it can be used to tap into more in depth information, other cultures and social networking as well as, utilize the student's natural curiosity to technology as a motivational tool.
Again, it is important to note that it isn't the technology itself that creates meaning, but rather how the technology is used which is important. " For technology to fulfill its promise as a purposeful contributor to learning, it must deepen children's engagement in meaningful and intellectually authentic curriculum" (Murphy,DePasquale & McNamara, 2003, p.2). This section shows how technology can engage the learner in a meaningful way.
For the purposes of this portfolio, 21st Century Educational tools will be defined by any technological tool that when utilized effectively promotes the learning of the 3 R’s (core subjects) in conjunction with the 4 C’s( communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity) ( Quest to Learn, 2013). These tools are generally technological but can be found on and off line. Tools commonly used offline would be smart boards and even lessons that promote the tenets of a student centred constructivist environment ie: lessons that are collaborative, creative, constructive. More technological tools would be ipads, smartphones, tablets, sites accessed online. Web 2.0 plays a key role in utilization of some of these tools as it can be used to tap into more in depth information, other cultures and social networking as well as, utilize the student's natural curiosity to technology as a motivational tool.
Again, it is important to note that it isn't the technology itself that creates meaning, but rather how the technology is used which is important. " For technology to fulfill its promise as a purposeful contributor to learning, it must deepen children's engagement in meaningful and intellectually authentic curriculum" (Murphy,DePasquale & McNamara, 2003, p.2). This section shows how technology can engage the learner in a meaningful way.