...not Sage on the Stage

Rethinking Computers in the Classroom -- Starting a Think Tank?

Hi,

This article in Business Week suggests that .....

"In many schools, PCs have failed to aid students' learning or improve test
scores, or equip them with the analysis and communications skills that today's
workplace demands, according to studies. The problems include a reliance on
paper lesson plans that don't factor in technology, and inadequate teacher
training and technical support. Also at fault, say educators, is American
classrooms' occupation with teaching kids strategies for raising standardized
test scores to meet provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act. That often
leaves little room for creative extras. Other times, school boards buy computers
to prove their technical savvy to politicians and parents, without thinking
through how kids will actually use the machines."

It goes on to suggest that schools need a new curriculum plan to solve the problem.

So let's develop a New Curriculum thinktank.

Roger

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Roger Bullis on January 13, 2009 at 11:01pm: Jorge and All,

The purpose of my post was to help; us figure out a practical specific game plan that can be shared.

Jorge, your latest post leads us in that direction -- a Facebook site for educators and learners -- with educating being the goal, not just theorizing.

Roger; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson on January 14, 2009 at 9:59am: A Facebook for educators - that just about sums it up! I heard about a major IT company looking into something like this a few months ago. Maybe we do it now @ Guide by the Side in a small, informal way and try it out on our own tribal members - kind of a soft opening? Anyone game for this?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ora Jonasson on January 15, 2009 at 7:38am: Jorge, I am still finding my way around this interactive system. Just realized you listed my comments on my page with comments in response.

I haven't seen your work, New Century Classroom, but think it should be a resource for the tribe.

Just finished a composition lesson sitting side-by-side with my teacher. The only way to learn.
Ora-cle; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson on January 15, 2009 at 1:15pm: Hi Ora-cle!

Thank you for contributing regularly. You are a model member of the Tribe!

I, too, find myself missing things at first and need to check both blogs and forums. Also, to keep me in the entire loop of loops I have subscribed to the email synopsis (Home page - left column) and the changes are sent automatically so I can keep in the loops more often than not.

No worries - this is a work in progress - just like Life!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gary Donahue on April 27, 2009 at 7:39am: I liked the PowerPoint Jorge, It made me think of Apple's Classrooms of Tomorrow project. They have just recently updated what they define as their "six design principles" for education. They very much mirror what you have stated; check them out here: http://newali.apple.com/acot2/,

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is also a guiding voice in how to bring about a change in how educators approach the curriculum. http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson on April 28, 2009 at 2:39pm: The NECC report from TIME Dec, 2007 was a prime mover in updating the 10 year old white paper for 22nd century education. Gary, Jim Kelley was my editor back in Anaco and the concept is still resonating. We need more of you guys to make this come to fruition soon. Thanks and I salute you!; ▶ Reply to This