Journal 9

Are Schools Inhibiting 21st Century Learning? Dave Nagel.

This article is based on the fifth-annual Speak Up survey conducted by Project Tomorrow. “Education stakeholders,” such as parents, students, administrators and teachers were polled and asked if their schools were using technology to enhance student learning. Administrators, parents and teachers seem oblivious to the fact that students feel that technology in education is being limited by their schools. Students stated they felt teachers were limiting their use of technology and that Web filtering was preventing them from the full benefits of using technology for learning.

1. What can be done to ensure students are prepared to be on the leading edge of technology? Students are already ahead of their teachers and parents in using emerging technologies. The CEO of Project Tomorrow states that it is in our country’s best interest to support and encourage students in their use of technology to enable them to meet the future better prepared.

2. Are educators up to speed in education technology to help students meet their needs? In this survey, 33% of teachers stated they were experts in using technology, while 56% claimed to be average technology users. Educators are not up to speed in using technology in the classroom to propel students in a technology-filled future.