I found the article 'Meaningful Learning with
Technology' by Jonassen, et al. a thought provoking piece of
literature...Jonassen et,al questions whether we are using IT in the classroom
to its full potential to create a meaningful learning environment. The main
element throughout the literature is that technology should be an instrument or
'tool' and not a passive style of learning..."A great deal of research
on computers and other technologies has shown that they are no more effective
at teaching students than teachers/but if we begin to think about technologies
as learning tools that students learn with, not from, then the nature of
student learning will change". An idea brought to light by Jonassen,
et al. and a term suggested by my tutor that really resonates with me, is that
teachers need to be the “guide on the side” in learning. As IT is an
ever-evolving innovation, so to is our quest to incorporate these IT resources
into our everyday classroom environment. Jonassen et al. reflects that students
should be active participants in their learning experiences in order for it to
meaningful. “But how can teacher adopt IT effectively in the classroom, and
make it meaningful?” I hear you ask... simply with a community of collaborators
and with the use of all this technology at our finger tips it makes it much
easier (for example; TeacherTube, Edu-blogs and Google Reader) and with the innovation of Web 2.0 this ability to create and
explore is at our disposal.
Jonassen et al. also recommends following ‘Tasks
that require intentional, active, constructive, cooperative, and authentic
learning processes' (see figure 1.1), when strategising pedagogies to provide opportunities for
students to learn in a meaningful environment.
I have to concur with Jonassen's idea that in
order to effectively learn it must be meaningful, I remember as a young student
questioning why I had to learn something that I doubted its usefulness. As a
teacher, I will endeavor to adopt the principles highlighted in the Meaningful
Learning with Technology article as the ideas brought forward resonate with my
own personal feelings... IT is a pedagogical revolution and as teachers we need
to collaborate, create, stimulate and encourage!
References-
Jonassen, D., et al. 2008, Meaningful
Learning with Technology, 3rd edn, Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey, pp.1-12.
Image: 'Flat Classroom
Skype'
