One of the biggest challenges that teachers of digital medias face is the digital divide between their students (Williamson, 2009). Although many students participate in video games not all students do and not all have access to them outside of school (Williamson, 2009). This highlights a need for teachers to integrate new medias into the classroom (Jenkins, 2006). Digital technologies are continuously advancing and are likely to change the way we learn, work and perform later in our lives. Current statistics in employment suggest that we are not equipping our students with the life skills they’ll need and that it is a highly competitive world (Jeffpiontek, 2009). The Youtube clip demonstrates the benefits for our students to gain these skills. The students at Hawaii Technology Academy are taking control of their futures through collaboration, communication and creativity (Jeffpiontek, 2009).
At Hawaii Technology Academy there is no divide amongst students. The ratio of laptops to students is 1:1 and internet access is supplemented by the school removing the digital divided amongst its students. The school utilizes 21st c. tools such as online classes, hybrid classes, technology integration to teach students skills in communication, collaboration and creativity, equipping them with the skills they will need for the future (Jeffpiontek, 2009).
At Hawaii Technology Academy students were exploring virtual worlds to gain deeper understanding (Jeffpiontek, 2009). They can participate in times and cultures that have passed, learn information necessary within these worlds but also develop deeper understandings from experiencing (Williamson Shaffer, et al, 2005). Within the worlds students are solving problems and experiencing the situation. For example, they can experience what it would be like to swim under the sea in prehistoric times; an experience that can only be had in virtual worlds. Students were also able to share these worlds and understandings with students around the physical world. This social and cultural collaboration and communication adds another level of thinking for students. (Jeffpiontek, 2009)
What does this mean for teachers who are in traditional environments? It means that what we aim for is possible.
At Hawaii Technology Academy there is no divide amongst students. The ratio of laptops to students is 1:1 and internet access is supplemented by the school removing the digital divided amongst its students. The school utilizes 21st c. tools such as online classes, hybrid classes, technology integration to teach students skills in communication, collaboration and creativity, equipping them with the skills they will need for the future (Jeffpiontek, 2009).
At Hawaii Technology Academy students were exploring virtual worlds to gain deeper understanding (Jeffpiontek, 2009). They can participate in times and cultures that have passed, learn information necessary within these worlds but also develop deeper understandings from experiencing (Williamson Shaffer, et al, 2005). Within the worlds students are solving problems and experiencing the situation. For example, they can experience what it would be like to swim under the sea in prehistoric times; an experience that can only be had in virtual worlds. Students were also able to share these worlds and understandings with students around the physical world. This social and cultural collaboration and communication adds another level of thinking for students. (Jeffpiontek, 2009)
What does this mean for teachers who are in traditional environments? It means that what we aim for is possible.
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