Learner-Centered Technology vs Technology-Centered Learning
A few weeks ago, while still at NECC in Atlanta, Georgia, I had a fantastic discussion with an Australian teacher named Martin Levins. Martin told me tales of the teachers he has encountered and the automatic first question they ask him:
“I have to use the computer, but I also need to teach [math, science, reading, geography, art]. How do I fit them both in?”
His response is brilliantly simple: “you’re asking the wrong question. Use the computer to teach the subject!” He gave me examples of using Google Maps to trace volcanos and earthquakes, and I have since discovered other examples, from the New York Times online lesson plans to FableVision’s own Stationery Studio program.
Today I was reminded of my conversation with Martin when I read a blog entry by Doug Johnson from Mankato Public Schools. The piece, Survival Skills for the Information Jungle, enlightened me as to WHY teachers (and students!) can feel so overwhelmed by technology. Once we had to search for information, afraid it wasn’t there at all. Now we know it’s there… but everything is there! I refer you to “Information jungle survival skill 4:”
Don’t just gather sticks. Make something with them.
And we have come full circle to Martin’s simple response. Technology is not a separate piece to somehow fit into an already crammed curriculum. It is a new tool, to aid discovery and lead to creativity.
