Introducing Technology-Based Innovations in Schools
Marc Prensky offers an interesting perspective in his article, “Adopt and Adapt: 21st Century Schools Need 21st Century Technology,” published Edutopia, December 2005. He reviews the typical four-step process of technology adoption in schools:
- Dabbling
- Doing old things in old ways
- Doing old things in new ways
- Doing new things in new ways
Prensky concludes that until recently, schools have been dabbling, and for the most part, they are still doing old things in old ways, even though the tools may have changed. He reflects on the technical (one-to-one computing) and sociological (”digital natives,” “digital immigrants,” the conservative nature of schools) challenges to the kind of educational transformation could occur if schools were able to do new things in new ways.
Does his article ring true to your experiences? What are some examples in your school or organization?