I strongly believe that technology education should begin
early. In this “Shift Happens” video it really conveys
how technology is advancing at exponential rates. The video states that “we are
currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist” (EvolvMyLife,
2011). This is an astounding fact which evokes questions for me such as, “how
do we prepare our students for their future?” In my district the big push in
our new curriculum is critical thinking and problem solving skills. By teaching
students these types of skills, they can be ready to learn and adapt to those
jobs that don’t yet exist. However, in terms of technology education, again I
believe it should begin through early exposure and integration. Additionally,
students come to school with a range of abilities and background experiences
with technology. For this reason I think
it is essential to provide the opportunities for students at school with
technology. We can’t predict the future, but we can aim to prepare our students
with the skills they need to be successful.
The video also addresses some astonishing statistics about
trends that are rapidly progressing. “We
are living in exponential times” (EvolvMyLife, 2011) and I feel that education policies
and standards are not reflecting these shifts.
As educators aware of these trends, what responsibilities should we
uphold to prepare our students?
EvolvMyLife (Producer). (2011). Did you know
3.0 – shift happens. Available from http://youtu.be/F9WDtQ4Ujn8
I strongly believe that my job as an educator is prepare our students to be functioning and productive citizens in a world that does not yet exist.
ReplyDeleteThey have more information available at their fingertips than I could give them in a lifetime. The absolute best I can do is teach them info lit skills in which the higher order thinking skills are required.
It can be overwhelming at times to realize that we are teaching students to live and thrive in a world that is evolving so rapidly. However, you’re right that our responsibility is to equip them with the informational literacy skills that will help to them to be resilient and adaptive.
DeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteYou said in your post "By teaching students these types of skills, they can be ready to learn and adapt to those jobs that don’t yet exist." I think that is the key. Just by learning "how to learn" students will be prepared for that future job. Like Sue mentioned there is more information readily available to students today than we could ever teach them. It's not about presenting information it is about teaching students how to make sense of that information and using it to their advantage.
Emily
I feel that it's not about content as much as the tools. We have a responsibility to provide opportunities for our students to develop those life-long learner skills that will help them face those situations that don't yet exist.
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