Digital Learning Environments News - February 2009 

(Received in an email - something to think about)

Each month Digital Learning asks readers a question. The January 2009 question asked about schools nearing the tipping point about technology and usage.

Editor's Note: The Tipping Point

We’ve been talking about integrating technology seamlessly into classroom instruction for years. So last month, we asked if schools are finally nearing that tipping point at which technology really takes hold and we begin to see dramatic changes in the ways in which teachers teach and student learn.

Specifically, we wanted to know what critical ingredient would change classrooms in 2009.

The answers were interesting – and no one strategy emerged as the tipping point. Three answers received 19% each: Less emphasis on testing, better/more professional development, and more emphasis on 21st century skills. Three other answers received 10% each: Adoption of Web 2.0, read/write tools, digital resources tightly aligned to the curriculum, and ultra mobile PCs. In between these groups, was access to technology with one-to-one programs at 13%.

(Retrieved Feb. 25, 2009)

 The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell is an enlightening read and helps make this connection.