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There is amazing innovation happening with technology in a number of areas in West Vancouver. The work at Caulfeild Elementary is an example of this, and has been interesting to follow as they have launched their Inquiry based Digitally Enhanced Community (IDEC). Principal Brad Lund is writing a regular blog (here)

Dr. Stuart Shanker has brought self-regulation to the masses. He has been a regular presenter in British Columbia, as mentioned in an earlier post on his work  here,

The conversations on the elements of inquiry, technology and self-regulation are a marriage of pedagogy and environment. Of course, in a world of increased student ownership and personalization of learning there will likely be more diversity rather than less to what a classroom should look like.

Researchers have found substantial evidence that focusing on relatively long term problems that require meaningful engagement with challenging subjects that integrate ideas from a number of diverse disciplines in which is supported by practical and useful technology can help overcome many classroom challenges and prepare students for practical and relevant skills for the future.

Problem-based learning at once allows groups of students to collaborate, to apply themselves in real-world challenges that demonstrate the relevance of the material, explore and integrate information from across multiple domains and allow the teacher to adopt the role of facilitator and co-learner rather than as the single point of expertise in the classroom.

In this framework, teachers are well employed as a master craftsman who provide just enough scaffolding in order to ensure students can remain on task and productive rather than floundering without guidance.