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Sooooo….is technology the solution to our education woes? Or is it creating a whole new layer of challenges?
How do college students learn today? In what ways is technology allowing them to learn more?
What’s really going on in the college classroom?
Hmmm. You’d better watch this video.
My take? Technology is most useful in higher education when one is NOT in a classroom setting–online courses, virtual schools, tutoring online, etc. Sure, the wikis and blogs can be great, the nings and the FlashMeetings and all the other tech bells and whistles can add tremendous value to those who are learning virtually. But in the bricks-and-mortar classroom? At the college level? No.
Young children can benefit greatly from interactive tech tools in the classroom that enhance education by engaging different learning styles. But at a certain point–and I’m guessing maybe late middle school–it’s more important for students to spend their face-to-face time without the laptops.
Oh, but here’s the key: we need less face-to-face time in high school. Period. Oooh. Radical, I know. But there’s nothing more likely to turn off a passionate learner than spending hours in a dull class with others who don’t give a rip about the subject matter or the teacher.
Sure, kids need mentors. Absolutely. Just one outstanding teacher can make all the difference. But the school day is too long, the school year is too short, and the traditional path to graduation is interminable.
We need change. Good news: the solutions already exist, and there are plenty of savvy students (and parents) already clued in.
Stay tuned.
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