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A new report focussed on students' research skills identifies some major teaching and learning gaps in the use of digital technologies. Teachers are strongly of the view that the use of digital technologies is positive although research skills need to be expanded beyond just the use of search engines. Teachers also indicated that there are some disadvantages to using online technologies and some barriers that impede their use. However, today's students have fundamentally different cognitive skills, state teachers, and so inclusion of digital technologies with learning activities and programs is essential to develop sound research skills.

"So the truth of the matter is that research studies that show positive effects of technology hardly matter. Occasional studies that do show promising results for new technologies are dragged in to cover the near nakedness of research, much like a fig leaf, to justify the high costs of these new devices in the face of little evidence. The fact remains that no one knows for sure whether the new hardware and software appearing in schools works. They are all beta versions with glitches that teachers and students end up discovering."

important perspective looking backwards and at the bureaucracy

Beginning with student-focused goals allows us to ensure that we strategically prioritize time and resources in our classrooms. Although this way of thinking was initially designed for instructional units, it is also the perfect methodology for planning a new technology initiative.

In a systemic and rigorous analysis of forty years of research into the use of technology and its impact on student achievement, researchers have reported that technology used to support instruction, on average, improves learning performance by 12%.

"Technology offers an opportunity to improve students' learning within a context of authentic, challenging, and complex tasks. Schools throughout the world are making strides in accomplishing this common goal. However, it is important to recognise that it takes more than dedicated teachers to really implement change in any educational environment - it takes everyone working to achieve the same vision - technology-enhanced teaching and learning to prepare students for work and life in the 21st century."

The misconception for many is that if you start using social media, you are focusing on "technology" and not really what is important in schools. 

Thanks Sarah for this 'evidence' of need to look beyond the technology when considering value in school. Well written, but where does it fit into the wider consideration, and what philosophy/beliefs does it follow (or it a unique view warranting further examination?). For any blog apply such questioning as you find your way through the wonderland. J

"The NMC Horizon Report: 2012 K-12 Edition examines emerging technologies for their potential impact on and use in teaching, learning and creative inquiry within the environment of pre-college education. This article adapted from sections of the report. The report highlights six emerging technologies or practices that are likely to enter mainstream use within the next five years. Key trends and challenges that will affect current practice over the same period frame these discussi"

1. Computer labs are a bad idea 2. ICT literacy classes are a bad idea 3. Don't expect test scores to improve 4. What students do outside the classroom with technology is more important than what they do inside it 5. Digital citizenship and child safety will become an important part of what schools teach 6. Most kids aren't 'digital natives' 7. You will never 'catch up' (technological innovations will always outpace your ability to innovate on the policy side) 8. 'Cheating' may well increase 9. Like it or not, mobile phones (and other mobile devices like tablets) are coming (fast) 10. _____

There are many ways of providing useful feedback to students in association with their assessments and assignments. However, new ways of providing feedback that can be more relevant and timely have emerged using technology. The research article reviewed this week explores a range of possibilities for providing student feedback on assignments and assessments in ways, such as audio and adaptive feedback, that can be more efficient for course leaders and also improve student learning.

"This address briefly traverses the successes and failures of the past before examining the evidence that may give some clues to the future challenges of using digital technologies and digital media in education. However, is Australian education and training in a position to address these challenges? The capacity of education to meet the future challenges of using technology for teaching and learning is the focus of this presentation."

Technology can help educators train students' focus away from rote memorization toward deep conceptual learning by building on prior knowledge and making connections between concepts.

Results from a research project in Singapore show that the inclusion of mobile devices in the classroom supports 21st-century instruction by teaching students soft skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, self-directed learning and teamwork, according to professors and researchers Elliot Soloway and Cathie Norris, co-founders of the education software provider GoKnow. The pair, who have studied trends in education technology, suggest giving students more control and using mobile devices as essential tools, rather than supplemental ones

"Moving to the Cloud and Collaborative Environments:" Cross-Platform Integration, Vendor Collaboration and the Rise of the Marketplace: The Explosion of All Things Mobile: An Emphasis on Adaptive Learning: Gamification:

"The eighth big idea is we are entering a digital world where knowing about digital technology is as important as reading and writing. So learning about computers is essential for our students' futures BUT the most important purpose is using them NOW to learn about everything else."

"Blumenfeld et al. (1991) identified six contributions that technology can make to the learning process: * enhancing interest and motivation; * providing access to information; * allowing active, manipulable representations; * structuring the process with tactical and strategic support; * diagnosing and correcting errors; * managing complexity and aiding production."

More administrators say they are leading by example by encouraging educators to use more digital technology in the classroom. They say this type of leadership will become increasingly important as districts work to implement the Common Core State Standards. "Modeling is crucial. If you want your kids and teachers to be users of 21st-century tools, ... you have to show that you can do it too," said Spike Cook, principal of an elementary school in Millville, N.J. "It shows that I'm still a teacher -- I can still instruct and still learn."

Students who have participated in 1:1 computing report higher achievement and increased engagement, according to findings of studies published in a special issue of the Journal of Technology, Learning and Assessment, published by Boston College's Lynch School of Education.

"Psychology paper finds Facebook and other social media offer platform for obsessions with self-image and shallow friendships"

Need to find the right balance with any social media

"This morning, Elon University and the Pew Internet and American Life Project released a report about the cognitive future of the millennial generation. Based on surveys with more than 1,000 thought leaders -- among them danah boyd, Clay Shirky, David Weinberger, and Alexandra Samuel -- the survey asked thinkers to consider how the Internet and its environment are changing, for better or worse, kids' cognitive capabilities. The survey found, overall, what many others already have: that neuroplasticity is, indeed, a thing; that multitasking is, indeed, the new norm; that hyperconnectivity may be leading to a lack of patience and concentration; and that an "always on" ethos may be encouraging a culture of expectation and instant gratification."