Bringing education into the 21st century

I have recently read the article How to bring our schools out of the 20th century which discusses the need to bring schools from the common pencil, paper, instructional teaching to that of something that is worthwhile for students to learn from. This article recognises the need for the all important mathematical and scientific skills and knowledge yet expresses the need for schools to catch up with the ever so adapting world around us. With the growing global economy based upon technology the need for schools to change and adapt to this new age is ever so important. When reading this article i imagined what school was like for myself and when entering a school for prac i realised nothing had really changed. I then began to think of why this hadn’t happened and how the world outside of school has change so much. I began to think all this children must at least have a Nintendo wee or a computer or a mobile phone at home. However, when entering school they understand that it is not a place for technology. I don’t understand this. If 5 yr olds can use a mobile phone, then why aren’t we utilizing the technology choices in our schools. Why cant children use photoshop in art or create i movies instead of role plays. Allowing children to understand that school is preparing them for real life then we need to incorporate all aspects of there lives- including technology and the use of e-learning in schools. Although it has been discussed by teachers that the idea of e-skills being taught in the primary school is a great idea they have expressed the lack of time they have within one day. Wanting to please but all teachers are unable to find the tme to incorporate the entire curiculum plus additional educational needs and then for e-learning. I understand boths sides, recognises that the world is changing into a techno digital age schools need to follow in this direction, however some aspects of the curriculum and school days needed to be assessed before we can cram more into a child’s day!!!

constructivie learning

When understanding the concept of constructive learning you need to recognise the differences in the way of learning than that of teacher directed learning. Whilst on prac and completing the last assignment i truly began to understand the importance of constructive learning- by which children can construct their own meaning from difference experiences. The help of IT and e-learning in constructive learning is a great way for teachers to introduce the use of constructive learning. The ability for children to explore through different mediums allow children to ultimately construct new meanings from different experiences (different means). Teachers need to constantly reflect on their own learning and teaching, in order for children to learn at their best capabilities!!!!

Bringing affective behaviour to e-Learning

Bringing affective behaviour to e-Learning is an article discussing the need for education to draw upon cognitive demands. I therefore believe that students need to be lead in a direction of learning that allows them to learn, respond, present and reflect. Here, e-learning or learning through technology would be a good source to provide children with these opportunities.

This article also discusses the need for children and teachers to generate guidelines and rules that should be followed when learning with technology. When teaching face to face in the classroom students are automatically inclined to follow the rules and perform under the right behaviours, however, when learning over the computer or other technological sources students need to clearly understand the rules and restrictions in certain learning episodes.