Teaching in a World with Ubiquitous Access to Information

This isn’t an easy question to answer. In fact, many state departments of education are considering the same challenge and trying to come up with strategies and plans of action to keep the classroom engaging and relevant in an age with ubiquitous access to information. Think about these staggering statistics:  

• As noted on the web site TechCrunch.com, according to one recent study, 62% of 12-15 year olds own a smart phone.
• 18% of 8-11 year olds own a smart phone, and the same 18% own a tablet (the tablet percentage grew from only 4% just last year!)
• The use of tablets has tripled among kids age 5-15 since 2012, rising from 14% to 42% over the past two years.
• A reported 28% of children (ages 3-4) use tablets at home!

  With so much ready access, teachers and school administrators are working hard to figure out innovative ways to embrace technology in the classroom and also adopt curriculum that allows for integration with outside information networks available via the web. One such approach that is quickly gaining notoriety is the idea of a flipped classroom.   A flipped classroom, or flipped teaching, is essentially the notion that classroom lectures are now assigned as video and web-based modules to be done outside of the classroom, while traditional “homework” assignments are worked on with the teacher’s assistance in the classroom. Proponents of flipped classrooms argue that this gives teachers more time to devote individualized attention to students.   Another approach gaining popularity in the classroom is game-based learning, which essentially follows research-based ideology that game-based instruction is highly effective for students. This can take many forms including everything from small group board games in the classroom to online or virtual games for students to reinforce learning concepts.   Bottom line: technology is here to stay. Schools are wise to figure out how best to embrace the information overload and even use it to their advantage. The old adage “if you can’t beat them, join them” rings true here – instead of trying to keep kids away from technology, it behooves schools and parents to figure out how to use it to their advantage and make tech time both educational and enjoyable!   Parents who are interested in learning more about the future of technology in the classroom should check out this article from The University of Iowa.  It offers some great definitions and explanations, as well as a research-based timeline for when and how some of these concepts will be introduced into classrooms.