Absolutely. In education, we talk a lot about differentiated instruction as a method to teach students in different ways and at different rates. Technology makes DI easy. Students can learn based on interest, learning style, and at their own pace using various types of technology. I love this quote from Lindsay an Davis, "But meeting standardized learning outcomes does not mean you have to standardize the process." Following this thought, teachers can use technology resources as a means to allow differentiated instruction to happen, but still hold students accountable to the same standards. It allows students to be scaffolded much easier. For instance, I took my first stats class in my doctorate last semester. This was an applied stats course in which it was understood that you knew something about stats coming in. I had never taken a stats course, and thus was behind before I even started. I used technology, specifically the Kahn Academy on YouTube, to scaffold myself to the level of the class. It was great.
As teacher, I always encourage my students to use the internet as a resource to help them with content we learn in class. I have yet to see a time when that detracted from their learning.
How can students use digital technologies to take best advantage of the educational opportunities available to them?
Like Lindsay and Davis mentioned with their flat classroom projects, technology allows for enhanced collaboration, and greater potential to learn. This coupled with a vast resource of information and teaching yields a wonderful use of technology to take advantage of educational opportunities. I don't think that technology replaces school, however, I can think of no better enhancement to their learning.
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