Learning:

Engaging and
Empowering
Learning through
technology
Taylor Bell, Hannah Carr, Ansley Moore, & Hunter Riley

Learning
GOAL: All learners will have engaging and
empowering learning experiences
in both formal and informal settings that
prepare them to be active, creative,
knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our
globally connected society.

Learning
Learning with technology allows learners to
utilize resources and expertise anywhere in
the world (not just confined to the walls of a
school)
Technology- enabled learning environments
allow opportunities for personalized learning
(Personalized learning refers to instruction
in which the pace of learning and the
instructional approach are optimized for the
needs of each learner.)

What people need to learn

Learners should have the opportunity to
develop a sense of agency in their learning
and the belief that they are capable of
succeeding in school. (Learners with agency
can intentionally make things happen by
[their] actions)
increases the importance of teaching
learners how to become responsible digital

5 ways technology can

improve & enhance
learning
1. Technology can enable personalized
learning or experiences that are more
engaging and relevant.
a. Teachers provide students with more
options
2. Technology can help organize learning
around real-world challenges and projectbased learning using a wide variety of digital
learning devices and resources to show

5 ways technology can

improve
& help
enhance
3. Technology can
learning move beyond
the classroom and take advantage of learning
learning
opportunities available in museums, libraries,
and other out-of-school settings.
a. Global read aloud: connect their
classrooms to other participants across
the world
4. Technology can help learners pursue
passions and personal interests

5 ways technology can

improve
& enhance
5. Technology access
when equitable can help
close the digital divide and make
learning
transformative learning opportunities available
to all learners
a. take advantage of online programs to earn
new certifications and can accomplish
goals, regardless of location

The Future of Learning

increased use of games & simulations: experience
Technologies
working together on a project without leaving the
classroom
new ways to connect physical & virtual interaction
with learning technologies: tangible engagement
with a physical model is connected to more abstract,
conceptual models, supporting students growth of
understanding
interactive 3d imaging software: allows students to
work with objects schools typically would not be able to
afford, providing a richer, more engaging learning

Closing the digital use

divide
digital divide-refers to schools and communities in
which the access to devices and internet connectivity
are unaffordable or unavailable
E-Rate Program -began in 1996 and was
modernized in 2014
also known as the schools and libraries universal service
support program
the program has made billions of dollars to provide wireless
internet in schools across the country

Without thoughtful intervention and attention to the way

technology is used for learning, the digital use divide could grow
even as access to technology in schools increases.
We must also close the digital use divide by ensuring all
students understand how to use technology as a tool to engage
in creative, productive, life-long learning rather than simply
consuming passive content.

Providing Technology
Accessibility
forprinciples
All
universal Design: Three main
Provide multiple means of representation so that
learners
students can approach information in more than
one way.

provide multiple means of expression so that all

students can demonstrate and express what they
know.
provide multiple means of engagement to

Physical spaces and

Blended
Learning and other ways of learning enabled by technology
Technology-enabled
forces educators to reevaluate how they organize and utilize physical
spaces
when it comes to learning.
learning
Are the design and layout of the physical space dynamic and
flexible enough to facilitate the technology-enabled learning models
and practices selected? Can a space in which an educator delivers
whole-class instruction also be shifted to facilitate individual online
practice and research?
Do the physical spaces align in their ability to facilitate individual
and collaborative work? When practices such as project-based
learning require students to be working together with multiple
devices for research and presentation building, is the space as

Discussion
While we have made significant technological advances in the
past five years, there is still much work to be done. The article
mentions how technology is still not being used to measure Non
Cognitive Competencies - social and emotional learning. Why do
you think this is, and what are some ways technology may
benefit these areas of development as well as cognitive
development?
Technology-enabled learning allows learners to tap resources
and expertise anywhere in the world. What are some ways you
have seen, or have not seen, teachers take advantage of this
opportunity in the classrooms you have been in?
Have you ever been a part of a Blended Learning Environment

Discussion (continued)
Learning experiences enabled by technology should be
accessible for all learners, including those with special needs.
Have you seen any examples of teachers making learning more
accessible for students with special needs through technology?
what examples from the article (page 19) stood out to you that
you would want available for students with special needs in
your future classroom?
How have the teachers you have worked with organized the
physical space in their classrooms collaborative learning using
digital tools? Was the space benefitial to technology based
collaborative learning? What changes would you have made to
the physical space in the classroom to better benefit student
learning? (page 20-21)