Technology is here to stay. The question, state Sen. John Legg says, is how to make it work best for students and teachers in Florida’s classrooms.
Hoping to amp up the conversation, Legg brought together close to 300 education and technology leaders on Thursday for a half-day symposium all about the issue.
“Unfortunately, when many students enter school, they have to power down,” Legg said. “They actually have to step back in time.”
Schools need to keep up, he said, and not just by buying gadgets. They must focus on how to integrate the tools with the lessons.
“We’re aiming for the students,” he said. “We’re aiming to make education better.”
Over the course of five panel discussions, some key elements to achieve this goal came through. Among them:
– In planning, districts must bring together leaders from all divisions to help make decisions, and not leave them in separate “silos” so technology and teaching don’t connect. Student input also is key in ensuring the choices are succeeding for them.
