This current generation of learners trend toward active and collaborative learning. This challenges our IT people of the need to tackle this in a virtual way. Irrespective of age, virtually all today’s learners use the Web extensively for information, communication, collaboration, and socializing. Students expect to interact with information and receive near-instantaneous responses.
Educators know that being successful means building maximum learning time to develop rigor, relevance, relationships and results. Teachers need to have the opportunity to tell students about the topic, to state the standards, engage them in active learning and time for collaboration. We can do this by enhancing the tools of technology.
If we are going to use the tools of a profession that allows students to engage in "first-person" learning, we have to be prepared to provide the staff development necessary to keep teachers up-to-speed with the latest technology.
In order to build maximum understanding, we have to provide a learning environment where students are pressed to ask great question, engage in meaningful dialog and be creative and critical learners. Now, imagine doing this with a virtual classroom, and then you'll see the challenges that we face in technology.
Watch the video below to see a sample of the "newest" virtual learning opportunities.
