Education And Technology For A Better World

Education and Technology for a Better World was the main theme for WCCE 2009. The conference highlights and explores different perspectives of this theme, covering all levels of formal education as well as informal learning and societal aspects of education. The conference was open to everyone involved in education and training. Additionally players from technological, societal, business and political fields outside education were invited to make relevant contributions within the theme: Education and Technology for a Better World. For several years the WCCE (World Conference on Computers in Education) has brought benefits to the fields of computer science and computers and education as well as to their communities. The contributions at WCCE include research projects and good practice presented in different formats from full papers to posters, demonstrations, panels, workshops and symposiums. The focus is not only on presentations of accepted contributions but also on discussions and input from all participants. The main goal of these conferences is to provide a forum for the discussion of ideas in all areas of computer science and human learning. They create a unique environment in which researchers and practitioners in the fields of computer science and human learning can interact, exchanging theories, experiments, techniques, applications and evaluations of initiatives supporting new developments that are potentially relevant for the development of these fields. They intend to serve as reference guidelines for the research community.

Integrating global education into standards-based lessons allows students to connect personally with their peers across geographical boundaries, expand their knowledge and awareness of the world, and increase their interest and curiosity in what they are learning. Global Education is a guide to get you started. It provides an introduction to global networks such as iEarn, Global Schoolhouse, and ePals; an overview of Web 2.0 tools that support global learning, such as wikis, blogs, and podcasts; and hundreds of Web resources. No matter the grade level or subject area, Global Education's numerous examples, case studies, and lesson plans will provide you with ideas and inspiration for bringing your students the world.

"The book takes a comprehensive look at digital technology use in educational settings around the world. Drawing on a wealth of theoretical and empirical work, the book tackles a number of pressing questions"--

"Education for a better world cares deeply about what kinds of people we become. People who are educated for a better world are simultaneously knowledgeable, acutely concerned for the welfare of all of humanity and actively involved in our common work of making sure that our national and global systems respect and care for all human beings, and for all other living things with which we share our ecosystem. They are cognizant of our shared humanity and of the free benefits that are provided us by healthy ecosystems." -Education for a Better WorldEducation for a Better World is both a commentary and critical analysis of education through its historical context and present-day relevance in the information age. The complex interplay between knowledge and tradition is examined to reveal the myriad ways in which education sculpts and defines society. What follows is a discussion on the importance of education as a principal means for effecting profound social and ecological change, with examples and analyses of service learning and sustainable development initiatives. Education for a Better World presents several suggestions for the consideration of both students and educators alike toward the aim of improving education and, consequently, our world as a whole.

In his most visionary book, internationally renowned educator Marc Prensky presents a compelling alternative to how and what we teach our children. Drawing on emerging world trends, he elaborates a comprehensive vision for K–12 education that includes new goals, new means, a new curriculum, a new kind of teaching, and a new use of technology. “Marc Prensky—one of the smartest people working in educational reform today—offers us a lucid, inspiring, optimistic, doable, and crucial blueprint for how we can build a future with the schools children desperately need in our modern, high-risk, highly complex, fast-changing, and imperiled world.” —James Paul Gee, Mary Lou Fulton Presidential Professor of Literacy Studies, Regents’ Professor, Arizona State University “Marc Prensky was always ahead of his time. Education to better their world continues this trend in spades. This book is a goldmine and a powerful wakeup call that the future is already here—in pockets right now but a harbinger of what is rapidly emerging. Read the book and make yourself part of the future today. As we are finding in our own work, students are agents of change—in pedagogy, in learning environments, and of society itself. Exciting possibilities await!” —Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus, OISE/University of Toronto “Marc Prensky’s answer to the question ‘What is the purpose of education?’—that education should now empower youth to improve their communities and the world—would unleash the energy, creativity, and compassion of students and teachers in ways we have never imagined. We need the better world Prensky envisions and we need it now.” —Milton Chen, The George Lucas Educational Foundation “Prensky offers perhaps the most compelling case and model yet articulated by anyone for today’s globally-empowered children. A must-read book for all educators and anyone who cares about education.” —James Tracey, Head of School, Rocky Hill School, RI “Wow. As a takeaway it is good—very good.” —John Seeley Brown “A great book. Filled with ‘food for thought’, common sense, provocative ideas and fun to read.” —Nieves Segovia, Presidenta, Institucion Educativa SEK (SEK International Schools)

"Mehlenbacher unpacks the complex relationships between instruction and technology while emerging as a sensitive guide to the frequently confusing and disparate landscapes of learning with technology."--Karen Schriver, President, KSA Communication Design & Research.

"I would like to see this book become required reading for every teacher or administrator before they break for the summer. Its simplified descriptions make it easily understood by non-technical people. I will make sure that all of my classes read it!"-Shirley CampbellDirector, Computer and Curriculum Inquiry CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh, PA"McCain and Jukes build a case that the Information Age has not yet peaked and awaken us to the challenge of the dramatic technological changes we will surely see within our life time."-Frank Buck, Principal, Graham SchoolTalladega, AL"Windows on the Future summarizes key developments and concepts making them readily understandable. Though I've been a member of the World Future Society and an avid reader of books for over 30 years, I am not aware of any other publication like this for practicing educators. This would be very valuable for professional development study groups."-Karen L. Tichy, Associate Superintendent for InstructionCatholic Education OfficeSt. Louis, MOGet prepared to help your students move into the technological future!The world as we knew it ten years ago no longer exists. Ten years from now, today's world will have recreated itself many times over. Windows on the Future shows educators how to help students cultivate the attitudes and skills necessary to leverage this monumental change for their benefit. Windows on the Future was designed to help the educator cope with changes created by technology and embrace a new mindset necessary to access the burgeoning technological advances. The goal is to keep schools and students relevant in the 21st Century, and McCain and Jukes offer new paradigms and frameworks to accomplish that.Critical issues explored include:Key trends for the new millennium The power of paradigm Education in the future New skills for students New roles for educators The need for vision