Editorial: Technology is changing education

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It’s an exciting time in the world of education. Technology is opening new doors for teachers, and it’s allowing schools to reach out to students in ways that were not possible before.

Tools like iPads provide immersive tools that can put students’ learning into their own hands. Flipped classrooms turn a recorded lesson into students’ daily homework, and have students work on what would ordinarily be homework when they’re in class and their teacher is there to provide help. The idea is that a teacher will be better qualified than most parents to provide help in, say, calculus. And students who need less help can work on alone while teachers focus on students who are struggling.

These changes are not likely to slow down. As new generations of teachers come into schools more familiar with these tools and techniques they will become increasingly commonplace.

This kind of change takes investment, though. Some districts have made efforts to put iPads into all students’ hands, and while District 196 is not taking such large steps it is clear district leaders recognize the shifts that are taking place. It’s why the district is investing in an expanded wireless network that will allow students to make the best use of the connected devices many of them carry around every day in the form of smart phones, tablet computers or laptops.

Technology alone is not the answer, of course. An iPad is little better than a toy if teachers do not know how to tap into its full potential.

The possibilities are there, though, with the right support. That’s why we’re happy to see the district laying the groundwork for what could be an even more exciting future.

Tags: opinion, rosemount, editorials