WGU-Redefining Learning with Technology

Check out my digital story about how Western Governors University is changing the paradigm of higher education and helping to redefine learning with technology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoJphEt3LR4

Has Technology Redefined Learning?

Technology has not completely changed how we learn, but I am sure that technology is shifting the definition of learning and what makes a successful learner in the modern day world.  The 21st Century Skills framework includes Learning and Innovation as crucial skills to acquire. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills states that these skills "separate students who are prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st Century from those who are not prepared." And shouldn't this really be the focus of what our students our working towards in their education? What really is more important than being an productive adult who can manage their life and be successful in the workplace?
The video: http://newlearninginstitute.org/film-series/a-21st-century-education/technology-and-21st-century-learning helps support this viewpoint.  It's NOT about who is buried in Grant's tomb . Facts don't matter anymore and students won't reach their potential with just knowing their facts. They need to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, and decision makers. These are the skills necessary in the 21st century. Technology allows for students to gain these skills through exploring, engaging, and directing themselves in their learning instead of someone telling them what they need to know.

This is not a black and white issue. What should to be addressed is that technology alone can not redefine learning. Educators using technology as an integral part of their curriculum can change how students learn. Technology may be shifting the definition of learning, but it can't be done without the guidance, support, and facilitating of educators who have engaged their students and have their attention already. The article, Tech Happy Professor Reboots After Hearing His Teaching Advice Isn't Working, written by Jeffrey R. Young, acknowledges the need for a relationship between the professor and the student. Christopher Sorenson, named National Teacher of the Year, discussed the importance of his presence with his students. The article quotes him stating: "The messenger, ironically enough, is more important than the message.  If the messenger is excited and passionate about what they have to say, it leaves a good impression. It stimulates students to see what all this excitement is about." Students will always need teachers and educators to lead them down the best path for their learning.

Technology will continue to change education. And education will need to continue to evolve based on the rapid changes happening in the digital world. But most importantly, educators have to know what works for their students. It doesn't really matter how they are learning, as long as they become successful, life long learners.

Here is my group's collaborative conversation concerning how technology is redefining learning. What I found most effective in using the collaborative method was how other people's thoughts activated me to think more about the topic. Having other models of critical thinking to be able to reflect on furthered my own thought process.
http://typewith.me/p/Moodle_Mates

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The 21st Century Learner-Reflections

I know its imperative to keep up with technology. I have been watching the world change around me with the Iphone, Ipad, twitter, you tube, etc.... and sometimes I feel a little panicked.  At times it feels as if I am going to get left behind. I know that technology has changed education. The generation of new learners has been opened up to a new way of teaching themselves about things they want to know about. Why would a student want to listen to a teacher lecture about an historical event when they can find vidoes, chats, and endless information about it themselves on their own terms? I consider myself a lifelong learner and even I know that my motivation has increased knowing what resources have now been made available by technology. A perfect example is the Ken Robinson video: "Changing Education Paradigms". This was the most influential resource that I came across in the readings. And I know why. I got the message. But the message was delivered in the way that I needed it. I could see it, hear it, and it was entertaining. I was learning on my terms. It talks about the "academic" vs. the "non academic" person. People were judged on the view that the mind should work a certain way. The old model of education was alienating many students who felt their was no purpose in school. I can relate to this as I reflect on my education growin up.

 Have we really changed this paradigm?


 My concern is adaptation with the educational environments for today's younger learner. I am not only an educator, but a parent. I have two children that are about to enter the public school system in Indiana. I have no idea if their education environment is going to reflect adaption of our new technological world. I am aware that my children will be entering school with a different mind set about how they learn. Both my 5 year old daugher and three year old son choose to spend alot of their free time on my I pad. It's amazing to me to watch their engagement, learning, and creavity. I know this has impacted their learning paradigms. This is why I chose to create my video based on my daughter who will be entering Kindergarten.  Is the Indiana Public School system equipped to teach my daughter with the current resources? Will she flourish or will she be restricted in her learning?
I based my video on three of the characteristics that new learners want in their education. They want freedom, the ablility to create, and personalized learning.

Check out my video that addresses this issue if my 5 year old new learner is going to be engaged enough to keep her motivated.

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