You know, num chuck skills, computer hacking skills…

As education shifts away from the universal schooling to creating lifelong learners, there will be some things lost and some things gained.  That is inevitable but not unique.  Many changes have occurred in education already.  And as much as I fear the loss of social cohesion, a decline in liberal arts and a loss of social skills, I must look for the possible gains to balance this.

If technology can aid in creating engaged lifelong learners, then I am all for that.  I do realize that it is not the technology itself which can excite students.  It is what the classroom teacher does with it.  If I can show enthusiasm then perhaps my students may demonstrate it too.  What I would really like to see happen is to have technology infused classrooms create interest for a student in a subject that was not there before.  I dream of the student who steps foot into my classroom hating poetry but leaves with a new appreciation for language, complex characters and an unexpected plot twist all thanks to Edgar Allen Poe.  Podcasting original works created with the same structure as the master may help with that.  Producing video versions of Poe’s stories may reveal the next Vincent Price.  I do like the customization that these tools offer all within a set of guidelines.  I would want to make sure that the students do not get distracted with tool as I did when it came to creating my IWB lesson and iRLO.  Having multiple tools in my toolbox can quell the argument of, “I just don’t want to do that.”  If one option is not appealing, then the student can tackle the task in another way.  I have found that no matter the technological vehicle, many skills are utilized including organization, communication as well as computer skills. (you know, num chuck skills, computer hacking skills…)

As I use technology, specifically the internet, for my own learning I continue to gain appreciation for the 24/7 availability of information.  In (many) years past, I spent countless hours working on research at libraries until closing time often without finishing my work.  With anytime access, I can work day or (more often) night.  I also appreciate that I can “visit” any library.  In high school, I spent many Saturdays riding the train into downtown Chicago to go to a “good” library.  Even though I live in Northern Wisconsin, I can go to the Harold Washington library any day I want.  I can even go back to Normal, IL and visit the Milner Library at ISU.  For younger students who do not drive yet, this is wonderful, not to mention that the parents do not need to chauffer students around.  Information is just a click away and so is help from the teacher.