The start of the school year is a great time to stop and take stock of exactly what frame of reference the customer (our students) bring into the education system. Take a look at the annual list Beloit College compiled of the cultural touchstones for their future class of 2013. Their world is different. They don’t remember a world without the Cartoon Network and blue JELL-O! In addition, text has always been hyper, the European Union has always existed, and Rap music has been main stream. The way they communicate with one another, view the world, and find information bears no resemblance to student behavior of the 1970′s a time when many of today’s teachers and school leaders were in high school. Understanding the fundamental differences between the students of yesterday and today’s youth is an ongoing challenge in a world where technology introduces new opportunities and potential pitfalls at an ever increasing rate.
NSBA’s Technology Leadership Network offers K-12 educators an opportunity to learn from one another about the best ways to serve this amazing new generation of students with their passion for creating and connecting. Student voices will be an important part of the mini-academy on 21st century learning during NSBA’s T+L Conference in Denver, Oct 28-30, so participants can hear first-hand how they blend technology throughout their lives and how they want and expect it to support their learning. Join us!
