It is amazing to me how far technology has come in the last two decades. The technology highlights of my high school years include a basic computer programming course, playing "The Oregon Trail" with miserable graphics, Atari (followed by Nintendo), and using a camcorder to make a commercial for a government class. I was part of the yearbook staff and we cropped pictures "the old-fashioned way" without the benefits of digital technology. I didn't even have the internet for research until my sophomore year in college, and that's about when I got my first cell phone...more like a car phone for emergencies only.
Most of my years in school were spent listening to teachers lecture, having to stay seated, and putting a pen or pencil to paper. A major difference now is the focus on technology. Teachers are helping students become lifelong learners. Not only are students expected to be good citizens in the classroom, they must have digital citizenship. Teachers encourage active learning through cooperative learning. Students can communicate and collaborate both locally and globally. There is so much information available to students. I think that it is very important to make sure that students are able to filter the information and apply the information.
Wikipedia is very controversial in many schools. I happen to think it's a great example to help students determine the reliability of information they encounter online. One of the things you'll learn from this class is that filtering information is easier if you have a reliable online "PLN" to help you.
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