As digital literacies and multi-literacies become more and more prominent in the 21st century, teachers should take advantage of technology to empower their lessons and target transformative learning experiences. The goal of transformative learning is to present authentic opportunities for students to actively engage in their learning, developing and applying critical thinking skills to new situations. Project-based learning, for example, can be an excellent method for accomplishing this. During transformative learning experiences, students must find intrinsic motivation through having autonomy, ownership, and displaying commitment to a relevant learning objective.
Transformative learning opportunities, often provided through multimodal learning environments, support the development of multi-literate students. Technology is an incredible tool for engaging students in transformative learning, through which students can become effective users of digital tools, producers of meaningful content, creative problem-solvers, and critical thinkers, while collaborating or working individually. In developing these skills, students are also naturally fostering their command of the BC curricular core competencies. For example, transformative learning often involves a shift in perspective through coming to understand the opinions of others and thus employs critical thinking and personal awareness and responsibility.
As innovative and inspirational teachers, our aim should be to promote a shift in the ways our students think. Moving away from traditional teaching methods and exploring new technologies, we can spark the curiosity of our students, inspiring them to love learning and become kind, global citizens.
Transformative learning experiences should be available to all of our students, regardless of academic ability or background. Through differentiation, we can reach every student, providing powerful transformative learning experiences and opportunities for all students to reach their full potential.