Teachers and administrators in Chinook's Edge School Division should be encouraged to not only embrace new technology but also to get the most of it for the benefit of all students, according to educator George Couros.
Speaking at the division's District Professional Development Day at the Olds High School on Oct. 28, Couros said education in Canada increasingly involves Internet-related technologies such as smartphones, laptops and Twitter.
“Kids have always been using technology, but we want them to use it in meaningful ways, for learning and interacting with one another,” said Couros. “I don't think many kids see the devices in their hands as learning opportunities. We are trying to show that there are powerful learning opportunities that you can have by using these devices.
“That's the shift. We know that a lot of kids are comfortable using a mobile phone to use Facebook, but what are they doing to learn with it? That device gives us opportunities that we never had before, so we are trying to take advantage of that.”
As technology use expands, and in particular the use of the Internet, the role of teachers is also changing, creating new opportunities and challenges at the same time, he said.
“The Internet has really changed things for us, connecting us with people around the world,” he said. “We are connecting with some of the most brilliant people in different fields to share and improve learning in our schools. We are trying to get teachers to see themselves as facilitating some of those connections.
“The teacher and the staff member actually thinking about how they do things and being open and learning and growing is the biggest change of all. If you open your world, you are going to open their (students') world.”
Making sure students are safe when making use of new technology is always a must for educators, he said.
“That is imperative. You don't just tell the student, ‘Go find a scientist (online)'. We are actually helping to make sure the sources are legitimate. Those are elements that are crucial to the work that we do,” he said.
During his 75-minute lecture, Couros told audience members that by giving students the ability to “create meaningful learning, be innovative, and empower them with a voice, we will see students succeeding long after their time in school.”
“To promote creativity, move from consumption to meaningful creation, find your students' strengths, and take and promote risks in learning,” he said.
“To promote voice, model your learning openly, empower students, and find a safe way for your students to have an audience.
“To promote innovation, connect with others, build on and remix ideas, and share openly and often.”
Technology is being used to connect students in one classroom with other students in other classrooms in schools and in other schools, he said.
“We are really excited about this,” he said.
Also during his lecture Couros showed a number of videos created by students that have garnered worldwide Internet interest, including ones promoting anti-bullying initiatives.
