Horizon Reports

            The new media consortium says that adaptive learning styles which integrate technology allow for a blended learning environment which is flexible and socially constructed (Adams, Freeman, Giesinger, Cummins, & Yuhnke, 2016). The ease of access to multimedia technologies are desirable by the students in the classroom, but many are still going between a digitally connected home-life and into a 20^th century teacher-centered classroom on a daily basis.

          Why is this? Most teachers have a personal mobile device, a computer or tablet and use technology regularly. So, here are some reasons teachers are still not using technology in some schools (Sheninger & Zhao, 2014).

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1.     Lack of support from administration

2.     Lack of high speed broad-band internet

3.     Insufficient technology training

4.     Student to device ration is out of proportion

5.     To many responsibilities for the teachers prior to technology implementation

Here are some reasons why some schools are connected and using technology regularly (Sheninger & Zhao, 2014).

1.     E-mails virtually eliminate intercom interruptions

2.     High-speed wifi allows for fewer technology interruptions

3.     The technology chosen is user friendly and doesn’t require learning an entire new skill-set

4.     Student to device ratio is 1:1 or near 1:1

5.     Professional development training to use technology is provided

6.     Support from administrators and incentives

The Horizon project gives plenty of models as to why technology should be incorporated, and it’s obvious that our students need to use technology as a learning tool on a regular basis in order to be prepared for the 21^st century digitally connected economy (Adams, Freeman, Giesinger, Cummins, & Yuhnke, 2016). We can study the reasons why, and design curriculum to implement technology all day, but many schools just can’t afford it, or have no idea which technologies are going to be most appropriate to reach their desired learning outcomes, mainly standardized testing. We take action in situations like this, and teach schools how to reach out for government technology grants, and more.  

Today’s students are born in the digital age and the classroom of the 20^th century is just not working anymore. Students need to be problem-solvers, critical thinkers, build a digital network and be prepared to use social media productively (Adams,et al., 2016). If we can use technology for deeper understanding and research, we can also use it to teach digital citizenship and professional networking.

Technology tools can’t wait another 10 years to be in all the classrooms.  I believe in 10 years, most students won’t be attending school 5 day a week because more curriculum will be available to any age learner from a virtual classroom. Thus,  a new model classroom has to spring forth or our students are just going to be ill-prepared for the challenges ahead (Education World Tech Team, 2012). As I move into an educational role, I am prepared to bring innovation and creativity into the learning center, and make sure students are energized with the resources and tools they need while in school and long after.  

Reference:

Adams Becker, S., Freeman, A., Giesinger Hall, C., Cummins, M., & Yuhnke, B. (2016).            NMC/CoSN horizon report: 2016 K-12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.

Education World Tech Team . (2012). Encouraging Teacher Technology Use. Retrieved May 22,      2017, from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech159.shtml

Sheninger, E., & Zhao, Y. (2014). Digital leadership: changing paradigms for changing times.           Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, A SAGE Company.