Transformation Into a 21st Century Classroom

Sunday, October 9, 2011

It is not unusual today to find that students in a classroom are more technological savvy then their teachers. Some teachers feel like they’re losing control because students know more than they do. For teachers there is the problem of rapidly changing digital media, which makes it difficult for them to keep abreast of the latest devices and how to use them effectively. A simple way to assist teachers to stay abreast is to listen to the students. Let them lead the way in what they know and can do with new media. We are all learners and we can gain so much from shared knowledge (Prensky 2007; Dezuanni, 2010).

Some examples of how new media could be used in the classroom include using certain digital games to inspire descriptive and creative writing and posting homework assignments online whereby the students have to submit it back online (Prensky, 2007). The teacher-librarian plays an important role in introducing some of these key technologies into the school by offering professional development to teachers to build their knowledge and build different perspectives of how new media can be implemented into the classroom. Teachers need to develop innovative pedagogies to use new media in the classroom. It takes small steps to bring about change and below offers a starting point. Here are four brief descriptions of digital media, each having a valuable learning focus that could be used in the classroom.

Wikipedia
There have been negative comments made about Wikipedia, however research is showing that this need not be the case, if the site is used wisely. Firstly, it offers a quick reference for some general information about a topic and gives the user some further ideas as to what they could be searching for. The differences between online searching and online research should be raised when using Wikipedia. Secondly, teachers should be encouraging students to become contributors to this site and evaluate one another’s contributions, therefore building a participatory culture in the classroom. Using Wikipedia raises the issue of intellectual property, so a classroom discussion on this subject would enhance learning in a real-life context (Prensky, 2007, p. 43).

Podcasting
This is a simple easy format for students to submit an oral report as an assignment. This can be done at an individual level or as a group to present a group report. It does not take long at all to work out how to record an MP3 file and save it to the computer (Prensky, 2007, p. 44).

Instant Messaging
One way to be creative with digital media is to ask students for ideas on how to use the digital media in the classroom. An example of what one class came up with is below.

“… interviewing experts using standard English, practicing business etiquette and conversational skills, doing research on the health risks of mobile phones, text messaging ideas such as to speakers while they are debating, reviewing silently for quizzes, and taking pictures of notes and assignments on the board (Prensky, 2007, p. 44)."

Mobile Phone Cameras
The use of mobile phone cameras in the classroom is limitless. Students are able to collect evidence for journalism articles, see the progress of a science experiment by collecting scientific data, and be able to visually present ideas from all curriculum areas (Prensky, 2007, p. 45).

Teaching students the aspects of the theory Circuit of Culture (Du Gay et al. 2007)when using digital media only increases understanding of culture and develops higher order thinking. Promoting digital media knowledge, communication, creativity and innovation skills in the classroom, will only enhance strong leaders for the future global environment (Gee, 2008, p. 32).

As a teacher-librarian it is important to stay abreast of the latest technology to be informed if an item would be beneficial to students’ learning. Areas that I would pursue include:

• Build a rapport with the administration team and be committed to attend meetings in pursuit of implementing new media into the classroom.




• Stay informed of the latest research by joining discussion groups and following blogs and by being affiliated with professional associations.




• Run Professional Development to inform teachers of the latest research and devices available to enhance learning.




• Assist in curriculum planning sessions with teachers to ensure that technological activities are used, such as Education Queensland’s The Learning Place.




• Include parents in information sessions to inform them of the benefits of students using new digital media.
  
  For schools to become 21st Century learning hubs everybody needs to work together to enable technologies to be successful. This not only includes teachers and students, but also administrators and parents. Acknowledging strengths in each other leads to everybody learning simultaneously. As Prensky states, “We are all learners. We are all teachers (2077, p. 46).
  
  
  
  References
  
  Du Gay, P. Hall, S., Janes, L., Mackay, H. And Negus, K. (1997) Doing Cultural Studies: the Story of the Sony Walkman. London: Sage/The Open University.
  
  Dezuanni, M. (2010). CLN647 Innovative Pedagogies, Transforming Institutions and Mapping Future Directions. Lecture 11 QUT Portal [Lecture Notes]. Retrieved from http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_75617_1%26url%3D
  
  Gee, J. (2008). Getting over the slump: innovation strategies to promote children’s learning, The Joan Ganz Cooney Center for Sesame Workshop. Retrieved from http://www.joanganzcooneycenter.org/Reports-19.html
  
  Prensky, M. (2007). Emerging Technologies for Learning (Volume 2). British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta).
  Retrieved from http://www.sosuaarhus-international.com/dokumenter/Computer%20Clubhouse%20Inspiration/Game%20based%20learning%20inspiration/PRENSKY%20-%20How%20to%20teach%20with%20technology.pdf

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