Learning & Technology Within Humanities

I'm thrilled to be able to listen to Pat Redhead speak this morning. She is an icon in the area of educational technology and I've read many of her works.

Some of Pat's main points:

• Guidelines for Infusion of ICT outcomes consistently - some things can be taught without digital technologies - an interesting and not well-understood point. They are also meant to be used by curriculum managers at the provincial level, although some of us might benefit from seeing the 'intent' of these guidelines to guide us as technology coaches and users.
• Computer Literacy --> Infusion - What is Integration? There was disagreement as to how ICT program of studies should be 'tackled', whether as an integrated model or a separate course. Ironically, Even as an integrated model I saw many teachers scheduling their weekly 'computers' class where they studies discreet tech skills which were, at best, very loosely tied to some subject-area content.
• Pat felt that putting out the ICT Program of Studies in 2000 was a great hindrance to actual integration, though teachers liked the fact that something specific was given and mandated (I'd argue otherwise, that most did not like it and a 'mandated' curriculum without any accountability goes largely unnoticed).
• Textbooks & Teacher Guides - Pat doesn't agree with teaching courses with a traditional textbook. Being bound by this, she is pushing forward a model which, in social studies, focuses on inquiry and integrates heavily various technologies. It also integrates 'Internet Field Trips' which have information not readily available from the classroom. Part of that is showing students how to locate and judge the authenticity and value of each resource they encounter.
• Project Pegasus - Exploring learning with technology through action research (before AISI) - the aim was to change the belief systems (something that really resonates with me) around technology to one where technology can work and improve student learning. I love this! It reaffirms my belief that the teacher is KEY to the learning process, and that learning gains with technology must be accompanied by excellent teaching!
• Accessibility - becoming more and more an issue that is being dealt with. Assistive technologies is a very hot topic right now and the Ministry is showing commitments toward seeing AT through across all curriculums
• Portal Technologies - Providing us with pinpointed information that brings together numerous sources of information to us.

I guess for me to tie what Pat said together, it would reinforce a belief that I currently hold - that innovations in technology are giving us new opportunities to learn and be productive, and the best uses of technology with students almost always are accompanied by excellent teaching practices. The role of the teacher and the beliefs about learning and teaching that the teacher holds are key to the learning gains that can be leveraged with technology. Hooray for Pat, one of my EdTech icons!