Breakout Session: Technology in Education

By Anthony Bolach

Leading educators Davie Engle and Marc Prensky led a lively discussion on the future of education and challenges faced by teachers, students, and communities as they try to use technology in school settings.

Specifically, both Engle and Prensky are active members of SNS’ Project Inkwell, which focuses on increasing experiential education through the medium of technology in K-12 classrooms worldwide. The session focused on what impact Project Inkwell has had and what impact it will have in the future.

The program has seen major milestones in the past few years in it’s effort to provide schools with broadband access. Where to go from there, however, is still a matter of concern. There are many projects to support globally, but not all school districts are interested in putting devices directly in the hands of children, with some citing philosophical problems with the concept.

Mr. Prensky detailed the idea of an “Education Cusp,” with one side of the cusp representing current education like STEM topics which still focus on the control and teach method of delivering material. This has limited what education can do. The other side of the cusp, however, represents the ‘ends of education’. This would be a shift in approach to coaching kids through problems, a more interactive perspective. “We want kids to become good, effective and world improving people. We haven’t told kids this.” noted Prensky.

Many project-based learning examples were given by moderator David Engle. Specifically, Engle described the Maritime Discovery Schools Initiative in Port Townsend, WA. The project is focused on rebuilding a famous wooden boat, using a K-12 learning lab where students learn to use math skills to help solve the issues that arise in the vessel restoration process. The idea of supporting kids and encouraging them to problem solve in their communities is a whole new approach to education. Most importantly, it allows young minds to point to tangible effects they have on their surroundings. “Kids are learning to become thinkers.” said Engle.

(Click here to see the Maritime Discovery Schools Initiative website.)

In the end the conversation came back to FiRe, and a challenge was leveled at the group: we must bring kids into the future and help them to build the future of the FiRe conference. As we see more and more students being empowered by technology, FiRe should bring these kids into the future through the responsible use of technology.

“This means letting kids solve problems that are relevant to their future, but at the same time avoiding the political minefields involved in changing school curricula”, explained Nelson Heller, President of Heller Results Group.