Living in the 4th Screen

In an eSchool News article today (12/21/09) Arne Duncan had some provocative things to say regarding the use of technology in schools. Below are some quotes from the article:

Education leaders in the United States must work to close the digital divide and ensure that all students have access to top-notch technology, while at the same time using technology not just for technology's sake, but as a game-changing learning tool, said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan at a national town hall meeting for students on Dec. 15.

During the town hall, which was a special edition of the Education Department's (ED's) television news program for parents, Duncan said that using technology the way today's students use it is key to making an impact.

"We need to be much more creative and innovative in how we do things," Duncan said. For instance, students today use cell phones and PDAs on a regular basis, he said, so coming up with creative ways to deliver content and curriculum involving technologies that students like to use is one way to grab students' attention.

I couldn't agree with Mr. Duncan more. He said it very well. Instead of trying to move students to a particular platform, use the platform they engage with everyday. Cell phones and iPod Touches are very easy to use from a technical standpoint. The learning curve is not that difficult for anyone. Hopefully Mr. Duncan's words will fall upon ears that are ready and willing to think outside the box and be creative and innovative as he suggests. The first step is for schools to embrace student cell phones and allow them in schools on a limited basis.

Mr. Duncan covered other topics as well during the town hall meeting with students. Follow the link above to read the full article.

Loading mentions Retweet