How can the use of technology help us learn?

When integrating technology to help others learn, teachers should consider the basic principles of learning. First, to ensure that learning occurs in context, technology can provide real world situations that engage learners in solving problems. For example, the author refers to an interactive video environment that teaches problem solving as an example. The interactive video presents mathematical problems that a character must face and solve to reach the next level. Each challenge builds upon the skill set of the previous level and is addressed in a sequential order. Last year, Think Through Math, an online interactive instruction, was purchased by the state for all Texas schools. This interactive website, like the one discussed in the article, provided math lessons that were aligned with the student’s ability and then progressed through lessons that built upon previously acquired skills. Students were required to transfer previously learned skills to new situations in each new lesson. By using challenging and engaging math lessons taught in context, students enjoyed using Think Through Math as a math tutorial.

Second, to ensure that learning is active, technology tools can be provided that help make thinking visible. Our district uses many free Web 2.0 mind mapping applications to accomplish this. Bubbl.us, Mindmeister, mindmup, Popplet, and Webspiration are all applications that allow a student to map out concepts into logical representations of information. For example, a student could use a mind map to organize their thoughts for a compare and contrast essay. They could create a mind map indicating the positives and negatives concerning a topic, and then take the information and develop their thesis, topic sentences, and content for their paragraphs from the mind map. When learners create mind maps, it helps make their thinking visible and actively engages them.

Third, to ensure that students work together to accomplish a learning task, technology applications that increase social interactions can be utilized. For example, the use of twitter and discussion forums can enable students to reach out to experts for information. Our district has worked with increasing such connections through the development of Personal Learning Networks (PLN). Each administrator attended the Digital-Age Leadership Academy, in which, they were taught how to use various Web 2.0 and social networking applications to make learning connections among other experienced educators. During each administrator leadership meeting, everyone shares new knowledge that they have gained from their PLN social connections. Web 2.0 applications enable people to participate and contribute to a social community of learners.

Last, technology can help make learning reflective. The use of electronic rubrics, discussion forums, and blog postings allow others to provide feedback about a person’s work or thoughts. People can contribute a comment to your post, question, or idea through a blog, discussion forum, tweet, or wiki. Feedback then allows you to reflect upon your own work or thoughts. This opportunity for reflection can help you reach a deeper understanding of information.

References

Driscoll, M. P. (2002). How People Learn (and What Technology Might Have To Do with It). ERIC   Digest.