It seems that we are moving into a new era of teaching our leaders of tomorrow. Competency based learning and or personalized learning is happening at a few schools now. According to recent articles on Knowledgeworks.org they state personalized learning engages students in many ways, at different paces, is targeted with learning tasks at their level and assess and addresses their skills and needs. Through this new way of learning, students move ahead when they are ready and have demonstrated mastery, as opposed to when their birthday is or the number of hours they have completed in a classroom. Students learn anytime and anywhere, their learning doesn't begin or stop just because they are in or outside the classroom. Most importantly, students take ownership over their own learning as individuals and part of a group, because they incorporate their skills and interests to engage and elaborate in their learning. I don't see how any of this can be done without the use of a technology tool. Having a computer available to search new questions and interests that pop up during a lesson is convenient. Children want to find the answers to questions "now" and what better way that they search for answers instead of hearing always from the teachers. With computers, students and groups can work on a project at their own pace and having all the information they need at their fingertips. Better yet, there are lots and lots of new ways students can demonstrate their learning through the use and aid of new technology tools being invented everyday. I have seen beautiful presentations of high school students using Prezi and Screen-Cast O Matic videos. I can't wait to learn more about technology tools that will serve as tools for teacher and students to spark and enhance learning.
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