What a modern world we live in. The field of education, like most other occupational fields, is pioneering in the application of technology; but should technology be the focus? I feel that independent and competent thinking are among the most necessary skills for students to learn before they progress into higher education or their career field. If I were the director of building a new school and organizing its educational ideals and focuses, the focus would rest on teaching students critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is an invaluable skill in our modern world. Throughout history, when a populous lost its ability to think critically or refused to do so, chaos ensued. So can we combine modern technological tools with a curriculum based on critical thinking and learning? Yes, and I believe the result would be the educational ideal. As I am preparing to teach History to High School students, I believe independent and critical thinking are more applicable to the area of Secondary Education, rather than elementary. Here's why: In elementary school children want to explore, learn, and engage together. This sense of togetherness brings about a positive learning environment. In middle school and high school, however, students begin searching for a sense of self. It is in Secondary Education that students begin to discover who they are in a whole new way. Focusing on critical thinking (History, English) and critical application (Math, Science) would not only prepare students for our crazy, modern world, but help them establish a sense of what they believe in. Ms. Venosdale's and Mr. Mitra's methods are immensely fascinating, but the focus is on children. What about older students? Should the focus be on cooperative learning between students or individual efforts when dealing with a higher education level? The answer is a balance between both using modern technology, cooperative learning, and individual critical thinking skills.
A. As a future History teacher I believe it is imperative for students to KNOW. Sugatra Mitra posed the question in his 2013 TED presentation "is knowing obsolete"? Knowing is not obsolete. The internet gives history students more access to KNOWLEDGE than any amount of textbooks in the world. Therefore I believe it is imperative for students to use modern technology to their advantage. Technology is a TOOL for learning. In my school students would have ample access to internet sources (computers, Ipads) and teachers would be encouraged to engage in discussions with their students. Debates would be organized. Students could learn and discuss together, using a blend of critical thinking skills and technology. Information is useless unless processed and applied and only the human brain can achieve this process in the field of Humanities. The focus would not be on "burp back education", but on free and critical thinking using technology as a tool. In this way secondary education would encourage competent, free-thinking individuals.
B. I would like students to be able to organize debates amongst each other and debate with teachers themselves. I would also promote a "Technological Resources" class, which would teach students to use technology to their educational and functional advantages which is such an important skill in our modern world. Once critical thinking is promoted and encouraged students will START THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX. Students may start asking: "Hey, why don't we organize a committee to improve our school's grounds" or "What's going on with congress right now, how can we help/change things?". This is much like the emphasis Sugatra Mitra put on teachers "stepping back and watching in awe".
C. The way teachers would go about teaching students what they need to know and do would be interactive learning. I would encourage students to engage with their teachers in discussions, debates, and writing assignments. In addition, I would encourage students to engage with each other in these same ways. A balance of cooperative and interactive learning is sure to satisfy students intellectually and continue them on their journey of free-thinking.
D. Modern technology is an amazing resource. In the past students were limited to a few textbooks. Now students have a world of knowledge right at their fingertips with laptops and ipads. This is immensely valuable to the field of history and world affairs. Imagine a classroom discussion where as students are making points, other students can search online for information and use it to either support or dissent each others arguments. World affairs and history at your fingertips. That's innovation.
E. The students' role in the learning process is the most important part. Classroom discussions, interaction with each other and their teachers, and technological resources will help students learn and become competent individuals. The goal is to raise students up, rather than beat them down. I believe the more students are encouraged to formulate their own ideas, and a classroom based on cooperative and interactive learning is the educational ideal for a humanities subject.
