Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Where are we going

Howard Gardner was one of the first to state that everyone learns differently. He even created the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, which included specific ways people learned: Visual-Spatial, Kinaesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Linguistic, Naturalistic, Existential and Logical -Mathematical. So far this year we have seen a lot of emphasis on individual learning, learner centred teaching.  So what part can technology play in this pedagogy? Haven't good teachers always placed their learners at the centre of their being? With the start of the new academic year we may ask ourselves, "What will be the new trends in technology be this year?" As a teacher, it's part of the job description to keep up with the latest in educational innovations. This is a simple necessity in order to keep our learners interested and motivated. But with technology changing at such a rapid rate are we fighting a losing battle?   We recently had a visit from Simon Pridham, ex-head teacher of Casllwgchwr Primary school. He came to UWTSD to share his experiences of learning with mobile technology, in particular the iPad, with our trainees.  He discussed the amazing results that his former school has had by providing a device for each of his junior pupils. The pupils take ownership of the device and responsibility for looking after it and for using it safely and effectively. So although it is not about the technology, quite clearly the technology has played a big part in both social development as well as the academic.
He talked about his new book "Freaked out" and some of the iPad apps that he has found to be the most useful and engaging.  

No comments: