Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments to Create 21st Century Skills

Throughout this module, we explored different technology-enhanced learning environments, including the Jasper series, WISE (Web-Based Inquiry Science Program), My World and Chemland. All of these programs have both benefits and drawbacks, and the individual teacher would need to figure out if these programs would meet the needs of their students. I’ve included the benefits and limitations (in my personal opinion) of each program in the table below. I think the main limitation is that these programs only apply to middle school grade levels and above. I need to spend some time researching and finding programs that would work well with our younger learners as I think technology-enhanced learning environments have the potential of getting these students interested and excited about learning math and science. Does anyone know any that they have already used with a younger group of students (K-5)?

When choosing which (if any) of these programs will work with a specific group of students, the teacher needs to look at whether or not the program will enhance the learning. This is true for any type of technology that is integrated into a classroom. Teachers and students should not be using technology just because it is easily accessible, but rather, the benefits needs to be evaluated. All of these programs fit into a constructivist classroom, where the teacher takes on a facilitator role (instead of being the expert). It allows students opportunities to work collaboratively with their peers while they develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills. Through this process students are able to expand their understanding of specific topics that they find interesting and it allows them to take ownership of their learning. I think all of the learning environments teach students the 21st century skills to become life-long learners. It’s up to individual teachers to decide which ones fit the needs of their individual students.