Educators are constantly talking about ways to extend a student's education beyond the regular school day, but most teachers don't offer a socially networked system of digital content. I keep "preaching" that we need to offer students the opportunity to learn with the way they communicate; they come to us "plugged in," but we ask them to "power down" once they enter the classroom. Many of them (perhaps most) have mobile access 24/7 to stay networked to systems of digital content, but we have to see beyond the fact that these devices are more than ways to "game" and stay socially connected.
So, as we move into the future, we must consider high access bandwidth (community-wide) so all learner have access. This is the way to provide advanced, dynamic and student-centered learning beyond the regular school day. After all, we are finding that on-line learners are engaged in learning at approximately twice the time as a traditional classroom setting. Can you imagine the results when we finally figure out that blended or hybrid on-line learning will be the way to really set the education world on fire?
We realize that the curriculum and instruction provided must meet the needs to all children. We know that what we do must align with the standards mandated, the assessments given and the outcomes expected. We know that we want research-based rigorous curriculum that promotes critical thinking; it must engage the learner. We realize that growth in the most important. But let's finally face the fact that technology must have a role.
Therefore, if we are truly going to be accountable for offering the best 21st century education possible, we must be prepared to preach, coach/teach, measure and live the technology opportunities that are at our literally at our finger tips. For examples, go to my Facebook page and start with this: http://www.garrisonsites.com/2010/02/schoology.html. My Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Jordahl/1758777858, but you will have to ask to be "my friend." LOL!
