An Australian report looking at emerging technologies and their influence on policy development in the education sector has recently been released.
Key findings of the report were that a pedagogical shift towards inquiry learning and a cultural change in educational practice and institutions are needed to enable schools to competently equip today’s students with the necessary skills to participate in the technology-rich knowledge economy.
The report found that all technologies have the potential to aid the learning process, and devices such as iPods and MP3 players should be encouraged rather than labelled “contraband” items.
The report also found that mobile technologies can both widen and reduce the digital divide as students and teachers without portable technology, such as MP3 players, could be disadvantaged and/or stigmatised. However, students with learning difficulties can participate in ICT-based activities that meet their learning capability or style, removing the “‘one size fits all’ approach to learning.”
Commissioned by the Australian Capital Territory Department of Education (ACT DET), the report was undertaken by education.au.limited. For a full copy of the Emerging Technologies report please click on the link.
