Using Technology to Dig for Meaning Discussion

Stone Wiske states that students need to have a deep enough understanding of a topic in order to apply their knowledge in "real-world" situations. I think that students living in the 21st century will need to be incredible problem solvers. The "real-world" situations of hunger, poverty, climate change, land use, clean water & air and resource development are BIG issues and our students will need all the tools we can give them to help them make sense and progress and positive change in our world.
I appreciated the thought that Natalie raised this morning, and that Dr. Wiske supported in his writing, that technology is just another tool - and when used in a meaningful way to help students go deeper with their learning it can be powerful. In order for this to happen educators should use the guiding question that asks "how will using this technology help students develop and demonstrate deep understanding of key curriculum goals?"
Using the guiding framework of five, and using a tool box with a variety of technology tools, educators can work to enhance and promote authentic learning. The teacher, as always, is key to whether or not a student's understanding deepens and grows or remains on the surface. Of course the learner also must take responsibility, but I believe that ultimately all students come to the table ready to learn and if given the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities they will rise to the occasion.
As an early childhood educator I feel I must continue to raise the question... When is it developmentally appropriate to move from the concrete to abstract with young children? So much of technology continues to be in the abstract and the constructivist approach to learning - of which I subscribe - says young children must have experiences with concrete objects before they can make sense of a more abstract concept.