The school district I work for has jumped head first into making a big change the the children and families we serve. We have joined the New Tech Network initiative to push a project based learning that has a heavy focus on using technology.
The technology, while very computer focused, is not limited to computers. Computers just play a central role in each project. The projects may include video, audio, presentations, animation, and so much more. Cameras, micrphones, and mice will be the new tools that students will be using quite a bit.
This will hopefully help students use what they know already in technology to learn what they don’t know in their class subjects. They could be making videos for a Spanish/Social Studies class on the Spanish Inquisition where they make a documentary or a re-enactment. They could use presentations in biology/math where they show the dissection and what math is involved with the body in discussion.
If embraced and effectively established this could be very beneficial for the students. The future of business and industry is technology. Technology is even moving into areas where it traditionally has not been. The custodial services for our district will be using a trouble report ticketing and tracking system for maintenance and cleaning issues.
