KS1: The history and cultural significance of information technologies and the impact of information technology on learning, today’s society, cultural diversity, and ecological sustainability
What does it mean to be present in a world where information is accessible on every glass surface? We face this now with the ubiquity of personal devices, but when every surface becomes
interactive, how much more difficult does it become to interact with what (or who) is right there with you?
As a technology integrationist, I clearly have an interest in bringing technology into the classroom. But my interest in doing so is more about helping elevate student voice, to make their education more relevant to them than how they feel it is now. I don't think we need interactive glass tables to do this. I recognize that companies want to grow, but clearly some of them are envisioning the idea that
an ideal future looks like Tony Stark's lab. I'm not sure I agree. Much of what I see in futuristic tech marketing videos is concerning as opposed to inspiring, with glass panels for tourists in the Redwood forest as the cherry atop the proverbial horror sundae.
I love that some visionaries focus on technology use that helps create global connections with students in other classrooms or connections with experts in the field of study. I certainly believe in the power of technology to make this easier and more commonplace in the future, and I believe that users remain present and engaged while doing so.
In a world where learning can happen anywhere at any time and be recognized as such, it is ripe for microcredentials (or badges): "Congratulations, you've just finished Level 1!" This is the perfect place for a badge to show student achievement and personalization. I wonder how this vision for the future intersects with that of Jane McGonigal, who envisions a future where anyone can give an edublock to another person as a sign of something learned. Check out her talk at SXSWEdu last year. I suppose the ubiquity of glass surfaces would perhaps enable that vision to happen even more easily.
I was given a book many years ago called The Precious Present, and its message was about the gift of each moment. I have to remind myself all the time to stay present, even when I'm uncomfortable in the moment. Our devices make it so easy to break up tension or avoid interactions, but in order to help students learn quality social skills, we must help them (and ourselves) make face-to-face human interaction a priority. Technology continues to change the landscape of human interaction, and we must be diligent about discussing these changes and helping our students navigate them.
Photo by Kevin (Unsplash)
Evidence: reflection on the future of tech & its potential impacts from UVM EDCI325
Evidence: students participate in virtual field trips using Google cardboard headsets.
This day could be seen as our first foray into flattening the walls of our school and taking virtual field trips. Since this day of experimentation three years ago, I have helped many teachers expand this practice through the use of tools like Nearpod and Appear.in--visiting both people and places from afar. With technology, we are able to expand our students' understanding and empathy--something personally important to me and my work.
LUMHS students checking out the Great Barrier Reef via Google Cardboard.