Rethinking Learning in the Digital Age

Rethinking Learning in the Digital Age

by: Mitchel Resnick

Summary::

Rethinking Learning in the Digital Age is an article about how we, as people, need to fundamentally rethink our approaches to learning and education and how technology is presented to young people. The author, Mitchel Resnick, feels there is a natural information-centric view and connection between technology and education and if we want to help people become better thinkers and learner, we need to move beyond this. He feels computers need to be used for more than just transmitting information to students. They should also be used for designing and creating things such as music, web pages, and simulated worlds. These designed activities can offer the greatest new learning opportunities with computers. He explains that most of our best learning is done with meaning. Resnick feels it is important for people to become digitally fluent. Being digitally fluent means not only knowing how to use technological tools, but also knowing how to construct things of significance with those tools. He states, in order for people to become digitally fluent, we need to create opportunities for it to happen. An example given was a network of learning centers called Clubhouses. These clubhouses provide young people the opportunity to become digitally fluent. Their aim is not just teach basic skills, but to help young people learn to express themselves and gain confidence as learners. At these centers kids learn to become designers and creators using leading edge software to create their own artwork, animations, simulations, multimedia presentations, musical compositions, websites and robotic constructions. Another thing Clubhouse do is help students' learn the heuristics of being a good designer and how to manage a complex project from start to finish.

Another significant aspect the article addresses is reforming education reform. Many countries have plans for educational reform, but they don't get at the heart of the matter. The plans often introduce new forms of testing and assessment, but the plans don't change the existing curricula and existing teaching strategies. This is the reason why Resnick feels we need to reform educational reform. He states we need to rethink how people learn. Instead of having teachers lecture, students need to become more active and independent. Teachers should focus on teaching themes and projects rather than curriculum subjects. Instead of having age and grade level classes, we should encourage students to work together with students of all ages and grades. This would create a rich connection among students. The article also states rethinking what people learn is also important. This means we need to update curricula for the digital age. New technologies are changing not only what students should learn, but also what they can learn. Resnick feels schools need to prepare students with new skills and ideas that are necessary for living in a digital society. Resnick expresses that learning must be a daylong and lifelong experience. This means learning needs to continue from school to home to work to community centers, etc and using technology to become a "knowledge-building community".

Resnick suggest that we shift our focus from information to knowledge and become a creative society. He feels success in the future will be based not on how much we know, but on our ability to think and act creatively. Digital technology can help improve our creative thinking and we need to start with our children. Resnick says, childhood is one of the most creative periods of our lives and we must nourish, develop and help children learn how to extend and refine their creative abilities. To achieve these goals we will need to require new approaches to education and learning through the support of technology.

Reflection::

I feel creativity is extremely important and I agree with Resnick when he states our society needs to focus more on creativity. Allowing children to be more creative in general and through technology sends them the message that it is okay to explore and develop through their own imagination. I'm beginning to understand that when teachers provide too much structure and teach only one way to do something they are taking creativity away. It stands to reason that if teachers allow student to use technology and be creative they will become more independent, confidant and more knowledgeable learners because they will be focusing on something that is important to them. I believe creativity can bring back the passion to classrooms and allow children to express themselves openly.