Guest author Patricia Brown, Technology Integration Coach at Old Bonhomme Elementary School in Saint Louis, MO: Society has transformed from an industrial revolution to a digital revolution, and our classrooms must transform too-- not just within the physical layout, but by what students experience in their classrooms every day. The digital age workplace requires a specific set of skills and training that include problem solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and creativity. We have moved beyond rote memorization, lectures, and skills checklists. Learning options and opportunities are limitless and should include student-led discussions, student-focused projects, project-based learning, design thinking, and group collaboration that supports deeper learning. Sadly, there are still students in this country who have never had these experiences due to lack of resources, exposure, but mostly just because of the zip code in which they live. Many school districts across the country are facing challenges on how to address digital equity – or inequity – which is a major issue in many communities. How can we connect students to the real-world when we face such digital shortfalls and barriers? Many students don’t succeed when they don’t see the value in education; it is our job as educators to expose them to the possibilities, and support them as they explore.
