To me internet and technology are indispensable tools in teaching. They allow me to make my lessons more creative and they allow me to interact with my students on a rational and creative basis. Most of all though, I see the winnings of internet and technology as a means for me and my students to learn and develop in unison. Together we will ask questions and together we will find the answers. Almost all our classrooms are now equipped with an internet connected projector. Those are in constant use and a fantastic resource for all of us.
Last week I had two of the most fabulous days of my life. I attended the convention “Framtidens lärande” (possible translations: “Future learning”, “Futures curriculum” or ”21st Century Learning”) which was arranged by a number of organisations promoting the idea of internet and technology becoming important parts of education.
Apart from all the lectures and workshops being immensely interesting, the whole convention was very competently arranged when it came to practical matters. The technology worked wonderfully. I loved the fact that we were able to post questions and comments in a twitter-like manner throughout each lecture. (They can all be read here). The food was good, the wardrobes and toilets worked excellently, as did the wireless internet, the sound was great, the seats, the timetable; well in fact everything was top notch.
Important issues raised at the convention were:
- The fact that we are in the middle of a paradigm shift. People are communicating and learning in alternative ways. We have to change the way we look at learning and teaching and we need to review our roles as teachers and students.
- The implementation of aids for internet and communication needs to be speeded on by central/national directives. The one-to-one perspective has to be what is aimed for.
- Finding the resources for technological development is more about budgeting than about funds available.
Below are videos and slide shows of some of the lectures:
Bruce Dixon “Future Learning Today and Tomorrow
Bruce Dixon, Framtidens lärande 2009 from diu redaktion on Vimeo.
Thomas Fürth from Kairos Future “I möjlighetmaximerarnas land”
Thomas Fürth, Möjlighetetsmaximerarnas land, Framtidens lärande 2009 from diu redaktion on Vimeo.
Stephen Heppel “Be Very Afraid”
Among his quotes: “Every turned off device is a potentially turned off child “
Stephen Heppell, Framtidens lärande 2009 from diu redaktion on Vimeo.
A link to some of the slide shows.
Post a Comment