Technology is much more than just computer hardware and the internet. Technology includes digital text, online learning opportunities as well as software. In order for students to prepare to be successful in a global digital society, we need to utilize these tools in our classrooms, and not simply replace a paper and pencil with a computer for word processing.
There are a variety of digital texts available that can be used for learning. Digital textbooks, story books and research materials can all be effective tools for learning. Digital textbooks and collections of digital materials provide students with a more up to date learning experience. Schools are no longer held to the high prices of print textbooks, and can even choose to curate their own materials. According to Davis (2013) Florida has "already adopted legislation requiring districts to spend half their instructional-materials budgets on digital content by 2015-16". These changes have prompted several textbook companies to develop apps and other digital content that are more accessible than their traditional textbooks. (Davis, 2013)
In addition to bringing digital text into our classrooms, we also need to utilize other learning opportunities such as e-learning, virtual courses and massive open online courses. Many sites, such as KhanAcademy.com offer learning dashboards that can be used by students and monitored by a teacher. Like Khan Academy, some sites are free, while others, such as Aleks.com, are fee based, though both provide individualized experiences based on a student's unique needs. Similarly, online or virtual courses, such as those through Virtual Learning Academy (VLACS.org, n.d.) provide a wide variety of students with individualized learning experiences that allow teachers to work one on one with students. These types of sites allow students to learn at their own pace, taking additional time as needed to practice each concept.
In addition to digital texts and online courses, there are many open course softwares available to use in the classroom. Open source learning platforms, such as Moodle (Moodle.org), provide teachers and students with the opportunity to create their own web based courses. These tools can be used for blended learning or for 100% online learning opportunities (Moodle.org, n.d.). Since Moodle is web based, content can be easily accessed all over the world. Open source softwares provide tools for fully customized lessons and content.
Utilizing these tools can help to reinforce the technology used in the classroom. They can also be used to personalize each student's learning and to make the content more accessible to all students.
Resources
Moodle.org (n.d.). MoodleDocs. Retrieved March 15, 2014, from http://docs.moodle.org/26/en/About_Moodle
Davis, M. R. (2013, February 6). 'Big Three' Publishers Rethink K-12 Strategies. Education Week: Digital Directions. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2013/02/06/02textbooks.h06.html?cmp=ENL-DD-MOSTPOP
VLACS.org (n.d.). Virtual Learning Academy Charter School. Retrieved March 15, 2014, from http://vlacs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=141&I
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