- Prensky, M. (2012c). Introduction. In From digital natives to digital wisdom: Hopeful essays for 21st century education (pp. 1–7). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
In this book introduction, from page 1 to the top of page 7, renowned technology expert Marc Prensky shares a vision for technology in education that puts the students at the center of learning; adapts to the context of change, variability, and uncertainty in education; and keeps the long-term in mind. As you read, consider how this vision fits into the context of your classroom practice.
- NMC Horizon Reports. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nmc.org/horizon-project/horizon-reports/horizon-report-k-12-edition
Click on the web link above to access and download the current K-12 edition of the New Media Consortium Horizon Report (PDF). This report annually identifies emerging technologies that are expected to have a significant impact on education.
Read the following sections of the report:
- Executive Summary
- Key Trends
- Significant Challenges
As you read, consider implications that the emerging technologies, key trends, and significant challenges have for your teaching practice. Additionally, think about how the perspectives shared in this report align with the vision that Prensky shared in the previous reading.
NOTE: In Weeks 3–5 you will read the remaining sections of the report.
- ISTE. (n.d.). ISTE®NETS.t. Retrieved December 3, 2012, from http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/nets-t-standards.pdf?sfvrsn=2
NETS describes five technology standards and performance indicators that all teachers are expected to meet. These standards set the context for the types of learning experiences you are expected to provide for your students. As you review each one, consider your current teaching practices. How well do your current instructional planning and delivery meet these expectations?
- Couros, G. (2012, September 12). 21st century schools or 21st century learning? [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/21st-century-schools-or-learning-george-couros
In this blog post, educational innovator Couros challenges some uses of today’s classroom technology, asserting that visions for learning must drive decisions regarding tools and devices. As you read, consider your vision for learning and how it drives your technology decisions.
- Bernard, S. (n.d.). Crossing the digital divide: Bridges and barriers to digital inclusion. Edutopia. Retrieved December 1, 2012, from http://www.edutopia.org/digital-divide-technology-access-inclusion
This article recognizes that digital access in and out of schools is changing rapidly, and that while many more students can be on the Internet via their mobile devices, their exclusion from higher-level learning and technology tools is often foreboding. As you read, consider the realities of technology access for your students in light of changes proposed in the article for leveling the digital playing field.
