Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. (2009). Too cool for school? No way! Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(7), 14-18.
New ways of helping children to learn through use of the latest technological gizmos - cool gadgets, web 2.0 applications - because they have the potential to get the students more engaged with a topic. We need to make sure that the technologies are not just used for the sake of using them (although in some cases there may be merit in this), but that the technologies are used to enhance the learning experience. This article touches on this issue, illustrating the use through three different examples where some web applications have been re-purposed to suit an educational setting. Unfortunately, there is no real inspiring information on the huge potential of these technologies in education. There is mention of a whole bunch of Web and electronic technologies, but no examples of their use in education.
If educators take some hi-tech gadgets or web apps and deploy them for uses in education in certain specific ways they are said to be using technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPCK). Basically this is the area of overlap between their knowledge of subject, technology, and pedagogy. Competency is this area is based on the teacher going beyond simply having isolated knowledge of these areas but integrated them in creative ways that will stimulate the students.
The three areas explored are: use of "microblogging" (e.g Twitter) - here students are able to make comments via a class blog on topics they are learning about. It enables, for example, wider discussion beyond the time constraints imposed by the class time. Secondly, use of specialized search engines e.g. viewzi) for research and collecting information for projects. Third, use of a DJ software to learn about certain mathematical concepts via use of a virtual music studio.
Questions:
1. What is the benefit of using viewzi versus the regular google search engine? This depends on the grade level - having search results appear with pictorial context would be very useful for younger children.
2. How are teachers becoming familiar with these technologies? I suspect that for the most part the ones who are trying to gain some knowledge are doing it in their own time. There should be some initiatives at the district level, maybe during summer recess where teachers can go on courses to learn about technology.
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Dr. Kathy Hayden, an expert in educational technology, told me that in San Diego County, there is actually a lack of opportunities for teachers to learn effective ways to integrate technology in their teaching. She has been doing a number of projects at local schools, hoping to boost the schools' capacity to adopt technology.
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