Digits or Digital

The current trend in most educational circles is incorporate more technology into the classroom. While many teachers are redesigning their lessons to include technology, they are often losing the core processes of student learning, active involvement. Sharing ideas on google docs, blogging on Seesaw, even using Audioboom for podcasting are all great tools that do not distract from learning but enhance it. But alone an active learning environment they are not. I think sometimes as educators we place too much emphasis on digital learning.

Digital learning should follow alongside hands on learning. Students should use their hands to create and design as much as they do to type and web quest. Rather than use online clip art or drawing programs why not have students hand draw or even make a model from play-doh or other materials. Rather than have a table of ipads and laptops alone also have a table full of art supplies and trinkets that students can use to innovate and build as with a makerspace.

Tinkering is one of the best ways to learn because not only are you simply playing and designing using all of your creative facets you are also using higher order and problem solving skills. Linking the analytical and the creative parts of your brain. It is providing an opportunity for students to find something relevant and interesting and rather than simply take notes or read an article they get to see the big picture and mold their own learning.

Digital learning is a great 21st century skills application. The world is technology driven and those skills are important to know and implement. However, using our digits in hands-on kinesthetic, tactile learning experiences bridges the gap between macro learning and micro learning. Allowing the big picture to be reformatted for the individual screen. When students feel they have a choice digital or digits and are provided with a creative space and opportunity they will take ownership of their learning and they will find a balance between the two.