Truisms from Growing Up Digital

Table of Truisms

Table of Truisms

Problem with the school system greater than schools Understand ends of school, not means Solution to the problem is not technology Dumb to teach computers over content Learning is social Teachers are dedicated to advancement of students

Book Review Home Page Images borrowed from

Microsoft

Table of Truisms

The problems with the school system go far beyond the schools.

False Conclusion: We should not take dramatic steps to transform the schools.

River Oaks Project• Change of curriculum and role of teacher• Improved student learning• Improved student motivation• Improved community involvement in welfare of

children “Change a school and you change the world (p

133).”

Table of Truisms

We need to understand the purpose of the schools - the ends of education, not just the means.

False Conclusion: We should table any discussion of means until we have agreement on the ends.

Interactive learning achieves sought-after ends Use of email and chats exercises writing and

reading ability

Table of Truisms

The solution to the problem of education is not technology.

False conclusion: We should abandon or delay efforts to infuse schools with the digital media.

Like doctors who oppose modern medicine New media can be a stimulus for change Digital media is necessary, but insufficient for

reinvention of education Digital media helps create a learning organization

Table of Truisms

It’s dumb to teach children how to use computers instead of teaching them math, science, reading and writing.

False Conclusion: We should abandon or delay efforts to get the digital media into the schools.

Research shows new media improves student performance when integrated into curriculum.

Fluency gained by doing. Fluency in the new media is required for a

productive life in new economy.

Table of Truisms

Learning is social.

False Conclusion: Computers are used individually, therefore they inhibit learning which is done socially.

Computers have shifted to communication tools. Kids cluster around computers.

Table of Truisms

Teachers are skilled, motivated professionals dedicated to the advancement of their students.

False Conclusion: Teachers are not an obstacle.

Leaders of the old are last to embrace the new Teachers have been schooled in broadcast mode

of pedagogy Change happens!