"The problem is that technology tools are not being used to develop metacognitive skills in online students."
The documentation I'm finding is offering many different angles to approach this statement from. I am excited because, spending time trying to create a solution to a problem that incorporates technology and how we learn (metacognitive skills) can assist learners with navigating the changing dynamics in our knowledge society.
Randy Speck ( Guest post)
www.randyspeck.com
www.samsonlearninggroup.com
"Are You Open To Disruption?"
What we need are more computers in the classroom...that will solve our problems with education. Do you remember hearing that type of phrase ad nauseum in the mid to late '90's and then early into this past decade. More computers...that will do it. If we have more computers then our children will be able to learn better, our teachers can teach with greater impact and all of our lives will become a utopia of how "it" should be.
So, that's what happened (except for the part of it happening). Now, don't get me wrong,,,every PC maker in the world started having education pricing for computers and the volume of desktops rose exponentially. Having computers in schools became a great way to raise money ("This year's Walk-A-Thon will help us buy 30 new-used computers for our school!). States poured millions of dollars into computer labs and technology for schools. Shiny new flat screen monitors (space and energy savers :) were placed in strategic locations so all could see how this school (whatever school) was educating 21st century learners.
The result: Well, let's go back to the three assumptions made earlier.
Students will learn better.
I'm not sure that has happened, at least with the help of technology. Unfortunately, in too many places computer classes just became the new typing class. The 8 1/2 x 11 piece of while paper was replaced by the computer monitor. Nothing really changed...students just continued to learn the same way, but with more expensive materials.
Teachers will be able to have a greater impact by using technology.
Across the nation, this hasn't happened. It certainly doesn't mean teachers are not having an impact...of course they are. teachers are changing the lives of students every day, but the tools they were given with technology did not come with an instructional manual and school leaders didn't help. Throughout schools, you may see computers and technology, but are students using these instruments to find answers, or does the computer become a reward for doing the traditional school work ("When you're done with your math assignment, you can go to the computer").
Technology has created a utopia for educational transformation.
This hasn't happened either and it's a shame. We may not like it, but kids don't need typing class anymore...they just don't. Most of them type with their thumbs through texting and as social media continues to become infused with our life, that is the space where students will live. Factual learning and foundation building will always be at the core of learning, but until technology is infused into the learning process, we may never know the type of impact schools and teachers can have.
Clayton Christensen, speaks of the lost opportunity schools and the education system have had by not using technology in a manner that disrupted what was known. In this case, disruption is not designed to be a distraction or to send life into chaos, but instead a procedure for those who see it to create new opportunities for growth and improvement. However, the problem with disruption is that few understand it and it can be scary (the music industry didn't see or understand the disruptive technology of the iPod and iTunes until it was too late). Education as a whole is typically timid when it comes to embracing new ideas. New prescribed programs we are all over (whole language, creative writing, etc.), but new ideas that come out of left field that may have significant results, we shy away from.
So what is the answer and is there really a "silver bullet" to disrupting our schools in a way that we see real improvement? There is an answer, but it is less dependent on technology than it is on a key characteristic of leadership; OPENNESS. For school leaders to make real change and lead true disruption, there has to be a new level of opennes to make it happen. Openness from all school stakeholders (school boards, teachers, parents, community leaders) has to be infused into the new leadership lexicon or disruption will not be allowed to occur. Smart boards, laptops, iPads and virtual learning may be brought into the school, but without an open commitment to try, success will not be able to grow.
I continue to come to the conclusion that there is not a prescription for a successful school. There are too many variables that exist (economic, geographical, philosophical). But if there is a commitment from the school community to be open, that in itself may be a catalyst for positive disruption. However, if the openness leaves the community, disruption will occur but rather than being a spark for change, it will kindle a fire that destroys schools and the chance for students to learn.
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