Blop Posting #3

Transforming American Education:  Learning Powered by Technology

Technology is everywhere!  The jobs of today require the use of technology, beyond that of what was in use even five or ten years ago.  Today’s students are inundated with technology outside out their lives at school – some for even as much time as they spend in the school setting.  To compete with this ever-changing, fast-growing technological world, schools must adequately prepare students for their lives in the 21^st century.

Technology can facilitate learning, without detracting from the traditional learning experiences found in the school setting.  According to Transforming American Education:  Learning Powered by Technology (2010), technology can represent information through a much richer mix of media types and facilitate knowledge connections through interactive tools.  Therefore, schools can use technology to provide rich, meaningful learning experiences within the content areas, while using up-to-date technology with real-world applications.

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and guidelines were established to create a universal research-based design to guide educators to improve the learning outcomes and goals for all diverse learners of the 21^st century as they seek the technology and content necessary to be successful contributors to society.  The UDL principles and guidelines specifically focus on the following groups, in an effort to reach all learners:  Low-income and minority groups, English language learners, learners with disabilities, Pre-K, adult workforce, and seniors.  In addition, another area of concern is that of high school and college dropout rates.

President Obama’s emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking skills for students in the 21^st century is very important.  As we educate our future, students must be able to problem-solve and think critically, in order to function successfully in the technology-based work-force.  As educators, we should provide all students with opportunities to use technology to improve learning, in order to prepare students for their future.