In the blog In Touch there is an article that suggests that students become fluent in reading only because they are required to read outside of school assignments throughout their lifetimes. The author of In Touch suggests that students also be required to use technology to become technology literate as well since we live in a digital age.
I have to say I agree - students (and teachers!) should be using technology in schools. At NEB we have Promethean Boards, which is a great start. Some teachers have used Photostory, MovieMaker, and Audacity (to name a few) to help students create projects. This is wonderful :) We live in a globally digital age - people from all over the world, with a multitude of backgrounds, are free to share their opinions. Those of us in schools should take advantage of that fact and prepare our students to be a part of this world.
The mission of most schools is to prepare students to be a productive member of society. To me, this is preparing students to effectively use social and productive technologies, become discerning and critical of information presented (not just taking it at face value), crediting sources, and collaborating with others to expand our students' understanding of culture.
What do you think?
