The school technology paradox.

There are some that might argue that students will naturally acquire 21st Century Skills since they are surrounded by so much technology in their daily lives. Why do we need to spend so much money on bringing technology into our schools?

That would be the same as saying that since a student has a paper and pencil he will naturally acquire math skills like algebra or writing skills like poetry.

This is the paradox of school technology and 21st Century Skills.

Just because a student might have a computer at home, it doesn't mean that they know how to truly use it. They lack the necessary skills.

And if his teachers do not have the proper tools and training, they cannot teach the skills.

Teachers cannot teach 21st Century Skills without tools.

Tools like interactive whiteboards, netbooks, cameras, flip videos, etc.

Modern technology doesn't replace teachers, it makes them more important than ever.

Most of the students I teach were all born in the 21st Century, they are truly digital natives, they know no other world that this. They cannot remember a world without the Internet or iPods.

We are all just tourists in their world.

So there you have it:

JUST BECAUSE STUDENTS HAVE TOOLS, IT DOESN'T MEAN THEY HAVE THE SKILLS.

and

TEACHERS CANNOT TEACH THE SKILLS WITHOUT THE TOOLS.

Good luck with trying to figure this one out...