CHANGE

Today, from pop-culture to neuroscience,


ideas are created through the


process of connecting across disciplines. The change 


from independent, rote learning to collaborative interactive 


learning is at the roots of most of the discoveries of the past fifteen to twenty years. They may be original evolutions and progressions but the underlying material that supports them comes from just about everywhere: from the history of science and technology, from the creative arts, from ecosystem and network theory.

In the age of sharing strengths and information,


it is vital to offer students the opportunities to discover their personal interests and strengths, work productively using the most individually appropriate web tools, and continuously reference others.

AGAIN:

"To stay on the cutting edge of the game, we have to look an idea at the roots of ideas--but the underlying material that supports that theme comes from just about everywhere: from the history of science and technology, from the creative arts, from ecosystem and network theory, and so on. "

Contrary to common thought that web 2.0 tools automatically create increased productivity for users, based on the number and varieties of interactive web platforms, tools, and applications now available, this is no longer true. When applied to students and learning, the standard for success should no longer be based on the old assumption. It is widely recognized that learning is a process unique to each individual. For each person, learning occurs when his/her personal knowledge is organized and reorganized into a conceptual structure. The key function of web 2.0 in education is to support the areas where students have individual difficulties such as processing, focus, auditory/visual, organization, and communication. In this learner-centered design, the student receives customized support and assessments are truly accurate.

It is interesting to consider that research shows the number of students with disabilities entering postsecondary education has increased. The implementation of educational supports, services, and accommodations found in web 2.0 tools can comprise a supported-education model for students with LD and ADHD and become part of a learners toolkit. The visual aspects of interactive media are ideal for developing students actual understanding , as it relates to new information and is constructed from conceptual reorganization that forms the cognitive components. 

Change in curriculum as well as continuous opportunities for professional development will be at the foundation of making these changes reality.

In time, teachers will be the facilitators of these extraordinary change. Take a look at the 4 minute video from Steven Berlin Johnson, successful author and speaker. His expertise is as a thinker and trend spotter as he examines the intersection of "science, technology, and personal experience". Johnson advocates collaboration, especially across varied types of thinkers (professions, areas of expertise). By studying the situational aspects in which many significant inventions and big ideas occurred throughout history, Johnson concludes collaboration played a critical role in many.