April 2008 — News
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Are Schools Inhibiting 21st Century Learning?
Extra Credit When the 2007 Speak Up survey asked parents what features an ideal school portal/Web site would have, they indicated the following:
More Information --D. Nagel |
But, at present, only 11 percent of the teachers surveyed said they were presently using an educational game in their classrooms.
Students, teachers, and administrators also expressed interest in online learning. Forty-three percent of high school students said they were interested in it for earning college credit, and 39 percent of middle school students said they were interested in it as a way to get "extra help in a subject."
In addition, according tot he survey, "More than 33 percent of high school students, 24 percent of middle school students, and 19 percent of [students in grades 3 through 5] with no previous online class experience stated said they would like to take an online class, with girls having a slightly stronger interest than boys." As of the time of the survey, only 8 percent of students had had direct experience with online learning.
About a third of teachers said they've :explored" methods for integrating online learning into their instruction. And, furthermore, a third also said they were interested in online learning for teacher professional development, and more than a quarter (26 percent) said that online learning is actually their preferred method for receiving training.
As for school and district administrators, 45 percent said they viewed online learning "as a way to boost student engagement."
Mobile Technologies on the Move
The survey also polled students, parents, administrators, and teachers on their attitudes toward and usage of mobile technologies, including laptops, cell phones, digital media players, and other devices. Among teachers, parents, and school administrators, 52 percent said they think mobile technologies can help engage students in learning. They also agreed that mobile devices can help extend learning beyond the school day (43 percent) and help prepare students for work (42 percent).
