Educational Origami

Two interesting articles from the BBC websites. Both of these articles show intersting changes are emerging in the acceptance and integration of technology.

Article 1. Computers enter learning core
Url: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8027271.stm

Here is the lead comment “Computer technology is to move centre stage alongside English, maths and personal skills in an overhaul of England’s primary school curriculum.

These are the “essentials for learning and life” recommended by former school inspections director Sir Jim Rose.”

One would have to say about time, but this is a good step forward.

Article 2. Norway tests laptop exam scheme

URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8027300.stm

Traditionally examinationsa re the last bastion of pen and paper. We have been encouraged to integrate technology, there is a growing acceptance that computers are an essential not the icing on the cake. This does represent a major change and I would have to say and exciting one.

When most of us integrate technology into our teaching we do so under a caveat of a traditional format examination. We place emphasis on technological fluencies and expect our 80-100wpm computer user to be as fluent, neat and adaptable in the traditional medium. We train them up to the last minute on using technology and revert to 19th century process and structure to measure their learning (The whole question of examinations is worthy of another post).

If you were to ask “are computer part of your work? How many would answer “no”

If you were to ask how many of you still hand write formal documents, letters etc? how many would answer that with a positive responce?

And yet the use of computers in examinations is worthy of a major comment in an international website.

Ah the times they are a changing….. and its about time too!