Show 71: Technology in the Classroom

Technology is changing the way we do so many things - how we communicate, navigate and regulate our every day lives. So how is it changing the way that we educate? We're taking a look at that question, plus many caregivers wonder if learning from a screen is fundamentally different than learning from a good, old-fashioned book. So this time we're exploring what technological innovation means to the future of classroom learning.

IN-STUDIO GUESTS: Joining host Shana Sheehy in the studio are two high-tech educators.

• Dr. Mark Bailey has been exploring the use of pedagogically powerful technological tools to support early childhood education for more than 25 years. After receiving his teaching license in the 70’s, Mark taught young children for most of a decade before completing a doctorate in educational psychology. Dr. Bailey has founded the Early Learning Community at Pacific University where he serves as Professor of Education and Director of the Child Learning and Development Center.

• Amanda Duvall is the K-12 Educational Technology teacher for the Anchorage School District where she supports teachers coaching them on integration of technology into the curriculum. She is also the Anchorage representative for the Alaska Society for Technology in Education. Duvall has been an educator for over 11 years in both Washington and Alaska.

RESOURCES FROM THIS PROGRAM:

Research & reports on kids, education & technology:

• 'The Science of Learning: How Current Brain Research Can Improve Education' (report on how digital learning looks in the brain)
• 'Learning, Digital Media & Creative Play in the Classroom' (Dr. Bailey's project funded by the MacArthur Foundation)
• Technology & Young Children position statement (NAEYC)
• 2011 Video Gaming Statistics (Entertainment Software Assoc.)

Online educational resources:

• Khan Academy (free, online homework help, millions of lessons)
• TED-Ed (online educational videos)
• Alice.org (Carnegie Mellon Univ's 3D animation software)
• Scratch & Scratch, Jr. (MIT's online computer programming for kids)
• SLED (Alaska's virtual library & digital archives)

Alaska-specific technology & education resources:

• Consortium for Digital Learning (Assoc. of AK School Boards)
• Alaska Learning Network
• Alaska Society for Technology in Education

FEATURED STORIES:

- Video Gaming in Education - educators are realizing that the captivating, even addictive, power of gaming could translate well into engaging a student’s brain when learning math, reading and especially computer programming. KTD producer Sarah Gonzales learned more about the “gamification” of education.

- Technology Boosts Rural Learning Opportunities - In Alaska, there are more 140 public high schools with fewer than 20 students each. So how do a small number of teachers offer all the different classes a student needs to graduate? Some think the answer lies in offering more courses online. KTD contributor Jessica Cochran brings us the story.