Loaded

There’s a game I played recently with a group of my friends. It is called Loaded Questions. The purpose of the game is that a question with endless answer possibilities is asked to the group, and then each member of the group answers the loaded question. Based on the assigned essential questions for our blog this week, I think it would be fair to rename our assignment to Loaded Questions, because the EQs this week have so many possible answers!

In the past, teachers have been the owner and user of all the technology in the classroom. The chalkboard was for the use of the teacher. Every once in a while a student may be given a rare opportunity to write on the chalkboard or beat the erasers, but it was primarily the teachers tool. When computers were introduced into schools the teachers gave students opportunities to use them to play games (aka Oregon Trail and Mario Teaches Typing).

The future of technology – and the shift we have already begun to see – leads to students being the technological leaders. Each student should be given daily opportunities to interact with devices, the internet, and other technological interfaces while they are in class. This change should lead to greater differentiation for diverse learners. It should also prepare our students to enter a competitive work force where experience with technology is a leading factor. The students should be given a variety of experiences to help them see technology as a tool. It isn’t a toy that should be hidden from teachers, but it is a tool that expands our opportunities to reach out and network with our colleagues. The future of technology is exciting. It will continue to be an innovative change as educators embrace the change. As we relinquish our control of the technology in the classroom, we will see students take ownership of their education.