Journal #10

Are Schools Inhibiting 21st Century Learning? by Dave Nagel

Nagel discusses the issue with the lack of technology access in school that results in inhibiting learning in schools. He uses data from surveys that demonstrate the restrictions imposed on students and educators alike. Web filtering policies that are in place to help students restrict their access to some areas that would benefit their research and their learning are the very policies that keep them from benefiting from technology. Educators can’t fully implement technology strategies because of these restrictions. The vast majority of those surveyed (educators, administrators, and students) believe that there are some pitfalls in online learning, especially in collaborative environments, such as not abiding by the proposed use like personal use, most believe that technology is essential to learn different ways to solve complex problems and stay engaged.

Why is it necessary for students to have an opportunity to online learning environments?

It is very obvious that education is moving closer to online learning environments to allow students additional access to conversations that continue beyond the confines of the classroom and the time limits of schools. Students will be required to participate in online projects for many of their classes at the university level. The earlier they are exposed to such environments, the better equipped they will be to function and succeed in such environments. Also, students will be better prepared for the working environment because many of the technologies that will help them in school are already being used in the business world.

How can students at the pre-college/university level have access to online learning environments?

Nagel’s article does address this issue. He believes mobile technologies can be part of the solution to allowing more students access to online learning environments: 1:1 laptops, research databases, and interactive whiteboards. Although having access to hardware may prove to be more difficult, districts can make student learning more beneficial if some of the web filtering policies were more practical and less restrictive. Educators may not be able to plan assignments and students may not have the flexibility when districts limit what sites they have and don’t have access to.