Purposeful Activities Help Achieve a Positive Outcome - Using Technology To Personalize Learning

Written By Abena Sey

July 10, 2022

I believe in empowering my students to help them develop skills to become accountable and independent learners. In my opinion, learner empowerment means that a student is equipped for the learning task, and this can have positive impacts on engagement. Couros (2015) suggested that “people need to feel empowered in the process of work and learning. The shift from compliance to empowerment is essential[.]” In my experience, to help learners move from merely being compliant to the instructions, but to also actively take an interest, has been through making the activity relevant to them. Purposeful activities help achieve a positive outcome. This can certainly involve the use of technology. Technology use in school does have the effect of empowering students, particularly if the learning is differentiated to meet the needs of those who experience barriers to their learning, or for those who require enrichment. Fullan stated that we must “rethink how technology can be used at our service as well as push us to do even more” (Fullan, 2012, pg. 13). Technology can personalize the learning experiences of students. I have seen YouTube videos on how this works in a high school science classroom (check out this video, it’s really impressive!).

References

Couros, G. (2015). 5 questions to drive personal-professional learning. [Website]. Retrieved from http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/5338

Fullan, M. (2012). Stratosphere: Integrating technology, pedagogy, and change knowledge. Don Mills, ON: Pearson.