Wikis

Through the study of theories and views about technology within 21st century education (Prensky 2001) along with educational technology tools and practices I am able to see the impact technology has on student learning and the management of this learning. Previously, I have studied courses such as Managing Diversity and Learning Management which touch on and emphasize the importance to cater for and include all students irrelevant of their individual learning styles and abilities (Felder & Solomon). Through this learning in connection with the ability to use and manipulate technology, it is evident that technology supports the learning process.

Some students learn best through technology rich experiences (Prensky 2001), visual aids (Mueller, 1980), hands-on practices, a variety of activities and the incorporation of interests and real-life connections (Felder & Solomon). It is for this reason that technology is such a vital tool in supporting and catering for all students within the classroom. Students of the 21st century are often brought up into a world of technology and make use of technology at an early age. It is for this reason they are often described as 'digital natives' (Prensky 2001). Therefore, not only do educational technology practices cater for these students, but also, create fluency and ease into learning with the use of familiar practices, create engagement (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999), clear connectedness to relevant, real-life experiences and overall prepare students for the technology rich society of tomorrow.

"The fundamental idea underlying engagement theory is that students must be meaningfully engaged in learning activities through interaction with others and worthwhile tasks....So engagement theory is intended to be a conceptual framework for technology based learning and teaching"(Shneiderman, 1994,1998; Shneiderman et al, 1995; Kearsley, 1997).


Through experiencing the use of Wiki's I am already able to see the value of such a tool within the classroom. Learning Managers now have the ability to enable students to complete tasks interactively online. This technology can also be manipulated to support multi-disciplinary and cross-curricular learning along with catering for students with disabilities or learning difficulties as well as gifted learners. Technology opens a whole new pathway to the management of learning.

As it can be seen, the use of technology within educational setting is a valuable tool in order to create inclusive practices that engage and cater for all students. Technology can be used by Learning Managers to create and perform learning experiences as well as students to complete tasks and perform learning activities. The use of technology within the 21st century of education is vital to students learning and furthermore prepares students for the real-world (Prensky 2001).

References
Kearsley, G. & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved:April 4, 2009 from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Kearsley, G., Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved from CQUniversity,
FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Mueller, G. (1980). The Modern Language Journal, Vol. 64, No. 3, pp. 335-340

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. On the Horizon. MCB University Press, Vol. 9 No. 5, October 2001.

Felder, R., Solomon, A. Learning Styles And Strategies. Retrieved from http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/styles.htm