The video No Future Left Behind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kra_z9vMnHo) sums up the thoughts on education right from the beginning when a student states “Education really needs an upgrade”. This video brings forth the ideas and thoughts right from students. They voice their desire to learn and to create as well as be a part of that process.Just because things have been done a certain way for a long time does not constitute that way as being the right or only way to do things.
Educators have often tried to involve hands on activities in their lessons. Now with Web 2.0 tools they need to think of how to use the things students use on a regular basis to reach them. These tools can take one lesson and reach different students by addressing projects to their strengths. Writers and thinkers can blog, musicians can create songs, artists can create visual web sites to share that corresponds with lessons. All of these students can collaborate to put their strengths together to create a digital story to present to their peers.
The use of Web 2.0 and upgrading teaching does not mean teaching the technology. Most students are more up to date on the various tools and technologies out there than their teachers and parents are. The idea is to use this technology to teach skills of communication. the curriculum needs to be based in lifelong learning. Technology is just the tool used to teach this. (http://newliteracy.wikispaces.com)
A Charter School in New Hampshire is trying to achieve this goal of life long learning and student based learning. The mission of the school is: (http://www.catanh.org)
"The mission of the Cocheco Arts and Technology Academy: a Public Charter School (CATA) is to provide excellence in secondary education in fundamental academics and also performing arts, fine arts and technology related to the arts. CATA is dedicated to creating an education community where each student thrives, exploring personal interests in an atmosphere that encompasses different learning styles, individual learning opportunities, smaller class sizes and multiple methods of learning assessments."
The school’s founders recognized the need to reach multiple learners and help them focus on their learning and educational needs. They are working to achieve an upgrade to education and not blocking the ability of their students to create, if this creation is through art or through the use of technology.
Use of the variety of Web 2.0 tools can help foster community within a school by ease of communication. It will also help educators keep students involved and not locked out of their own learning. This truly is an upgrade to education.
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