Students+Technology=Competitive Students

Photo Credit: [http://quantumlearningblog.wordpress.com]

How many times have you heard it, rather it be in the news, school, or in one of the Presidential speeches. Americas education is failing and countries like China, are far exceeding American students in every area; besides confidence. We have all heard it before, and may or may not have an understanding of why there is such a huge educational gap between us and other countries. Most of the solutions to fixing this problem could take years of developing new curriculums and programs, which then will take more time to be tested and changed. So what can we do that is less time consuming, and that can enhance the educational system we have now? The answer is we should build upon one of the only strengths we have now, technology!

Look at America, we've invented Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Apple; some of the most powerful technological savvy companies in the world. Now look at Americas educational system in relation to technology, it is failing. My technology experience as a grade student range from using every Microsoft program, to creating a website using templates. As a student I was bored, not challenged, and wanted more from my educational experience. Teachers should understand that technology goes beyond basic programs. Technology should enhance, bring clarity, and prepare students for what they would face in this competitive world. By focusing on teaching basic programs like Powerpoint or Microsoft Word, educators stunt the technological growth of its students; this in turn does a disservice for students in the long run.

Technology within the classroom should take up many forms in order to enhance students learning. Students in general have a wide range of technological knowledge before entering the classroom. Rather its tweeting there friends on their iPads, or rather its video chatting a friend a 100 miles away using Skype, students use technology way more today then ever before. Do to this, we have to make sure that we are meeting them where they are at, and then giving them more applicable skills so they can continue to grow. By doing this we can make sure our students are constantly being challenge with hands on learning and new technologies.

The following video goes over how some students are using blogging to enhance there educational experience.

Source Credit: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTToERnTKB4]

Sources:

Feinberg, Cara “Rethinking Education in the Information Age: The Research of Thompson Professor Richard Murnane,” Harvard Graduate School of Education, October 1, 2004. [Accessed at http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/features/murnane10012004.html, March 2011] 

Crew, Rudy "Keeping Students Competitive: Using Targeted Communication to Drive Student Success in A Global Economy," Blackboard Connect, 2011. [Accessed at http://www.blackboard.com/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=37d97d28-5320-4a82-a79e-9a9854bc847f, Sept 2012]

Klopfer, Eric, Scot Osterweil, Jennifer Groff, Jason Haas " The Instructional Power of Digital Games, Social Networking, Simulations and How Teacher Can Leverage Them.