Integration of technology into existing K-12 curricula effectively is more than just teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer lab. Technology is everywhere; it is an integral part of our everyday lives. Yet, because this transformation has happened, and continuous to happen, at such a fast pace, schools have struggled with making the shifts effectively. Heidi Hayes-Jacobs in Curriculum 21 addresses this issue directly and encourages beginning the transformation through the lens of the curriculum, assessment in particular (Hayes-Jacobs, 2010).
Learning Theory
Constructivist theory tells us that education is not about what the teacher can provide in a classroom, but what the learner can process through experiences with their environment (Ormrod, 2009). The role of the teacher as ‘sage on a stage’ shifts to that of a mentor and facilitator of learning. Assessments therefore also shift from solely knowledge-based assessments to more performance-based assessments.
Social learning theory considers what people learn from each other. Some of our learning occurs through observations of others and the outcomes of the observed behaviors. Albert Bandura, the foremost proponent of social learning theory, describes the four conditions necessary for learning through modeling: attention, retention (ie. using rehearsal), motor reproduction (ability to replicate) and motivation (the desire to demonstrate what they have learned) (Ormrod, 1999).
One Example
Sal Khan and his Khan Academy have become a YouTube phenomena. Sal Khan appeared on 60 minutes recently to discuss the future of education. His concept of providing quality education to everyone, everywhere has taken off . At the top of the website, he prompts the prospective learner with a message, "Watch. Practice. Learn almost anything for free" (Khan Academy, 2012). Inspired by the success of Sal Khan, many teachers have implemented a variety of the principles of constructivism to enable students to design their own tutorials.
Using Camstasia, teachers can record their lessons and students can teach each other. They can pause, replay and essentially learn at their own pace from each other. Eric Marcos, a Math Teacher at Lincoln Middle School in Santa Monica, California has created, along with many of his students, numerous tutorials using Camstasia (Curriculum 21, 2010). They can be viewed at Mathtrain.com, a website he created to showcase the tutorials.
This activity reflects the tenants of constructivism and social learning theory, focusing on performance-based assessments that enable students to learn through interactions and modeling while using technology.
As the educational sector struggles with the conflicting opinions on educational reform, it is clear that technology is not a passing fad. Digital immigrants get ready.
References
Camstasia:mac. Retrieved from http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html
Hayes-Jacobs, H. (2010). Curriculum 21: Essential Education for a Changing World. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Khan Academy (2012). Retrieved from http://www.khanacademy.org/.
Ormrod, J.E. (1999). Human learning (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson.
