New Tools in Education

Through the various posts I've read since the social networking meeting we held at our school several weeks back, I understand that there are various viewpoints to the discussion. There was strong sentiment that the medium (tool) is not the solution, however it is important to understand that if the end in mind is the same (understanding concepts, critical thinking, problem solving, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, etc) for our students, then part of the questioning centers on what can be improved with the delivery model.

Simply put, tools can not take away the core purpose of teaching and learning. But with high dropout rates and disengaged learners, new web 2.0 tools allow us to reach and motivate those who otherwise may not be interested. It also provides a constructive way to use the tools in preparation for a workplace environment that will require such skill sets. Work in the future will dramatically change for our students. Job security will be replaced with employability security and that requires our students to have as many skill sets as possible, including those involving digital education and application.

See the following YouTube video from a school system in Utah that is asking the same type of questions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaXzLcUkZ5A