HGSET561

Forecast

From Participation to Creation This 2020 Forecast illuminates how we are sh

collective future. People are creating

“It’s not a research-based tool,” said Daniel T. Willingham, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville. “The most important thing to remember is that we have no idea what impact these tools have on learning, and it will take a decade to answer that question.”

A few studies have found some positive correlations between text-messaging aptitude and literacy. Research on gaming and educational multimedia programs have also shown some positive impact on learning. But few scientific experiments can show a direct link between the use of such technology and student achievement.

“The medium is not enough,” he added. “People talk about the vital importance of Web 2.0 and 3.0, and that kids have got to acquire those skills. But we can’t all just be contributing to wikis and tweeting each other. Somebody’s got to create

The "tweets" of Emmett Rensin and Alexander Aciman combine the knowledge of an English major with the snarky shorthand of a teenager's text message.

"It's funny if you've read the books," said Rensin, who has read them at his tender age of 19.

"I'm not going to say it's high art," said Aciman, whose favorite author is Marcel Proust. "There is some value to it, I feel, aside from the fact we're making available the idea behind great works of art."

Global networks such as iEARN and ePals insulate student communication from the rest of the internet and let teachers monitor eMail accounts, as well as provide for the creation of secure blogs that can only be seen by the recipients. Assisted by standards-based curriculum materials, these networks link participants from a diverse range of countries in a discussion of globally relevant issues.

Language-learning Website Award--The Esperanto "Access to Language Education Award" CALICO, Lernu.net, and the Esperantic Studies Foundation present this award to a website offering exceptional language-learning resources. The winning website is recognized at CALICO's annual conference banquet, and its developers are presented with an Award Certificate and a prize. Noncommercial (cost-free) websites, created and/or maintained by CALICO members, are eligible for this award.

Award Winners 2009 Français interactif [visit the website]