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Assessment 2: Essay (15%) Individual

As a powerful learning tool, technology enhances our capabilities in all domains. Not only
can it help in surprising ways with things we still require from the past, such as test
preparation, but it's also a sine qua non for many new capabilities, such as database
usage. (Prensky, 2013)
This assessment task is based on an article entitled Our Brains Extended by Prensky
(2013). Write a six (6) page essay which uses or captures the quotation above and the
criteria provided below. (N.B. The cover page and reference page are not included in the six
(6) pages required.)
1. Identify and discuss three (3) of the new subjects Prensky proposes and examine their
relevance in the 21st century.
2. How will this new way of teaching impact traditional pedagogical norms? Explore (1)
implication of embracing this new curriculum from the teachers perspective.
3. Describe one (1) implication of instituting this new curriculum from a policy makers
perspective.
4. Using relevant examples, give details of three (3) ways in which the teacher could integrate
technology in teaching and learning, to aid in enhancing effective: thinking, action,
relationships and accomplishments in a current subject area of his/her choice.
Please note that included in the criteria for assessment are evidence of research, use of language
and proper referencing using APA.
Mark Scheme
Content

25 marks

Evidence of Research
Language
Total

Please note that included in the criteria for assessment are evidence of research, use of language
and proper referencing using APA.Word limit - 2000 words
[Specific examples of relevant tools should be included in examples]

Due Date: March, 2016

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As a powerful learning tool, technology enhances our capabilities in all domains. Not only can it
help in surprising ways with things we still require from the past, such as test preparation, but
it's also a sine qua non for many new capabilities, such as database usage. (Prensky, 2013)
1. Identify and discuss three (3) of the new subjects Prensky proposes and examine their
relevance in the 21st century.
Prensky (2013) stipulates as a powerful learning tool, technology enhances our capabilities
in all domains not only can it help in surprising ways with things we still require from the past,
such as test preparation, but its also a sine qua non for many new capabilities, such as database
usage. According to Marc Prensky, the current 21st century curriculum has severely limited the
overall development of students, whether it is cognitive or social development. Education is not
about learning subjects set within a content-based curriculum. It is, however, much more than
that, education should foster the development of good, capable, flexible people who can
maximize their talents and reach their goals. Marc Prenskys theory seeks to use the dimensions
of our brain that has been underutilized to develop a curriculum based on students requirement
for a successful future. Three (3) of the new subjects proposed by Prensky are: effective thinking,
effective action and effective relationships. In integrating these three (3) new subjects into the
curriculum it will require technology becoming more than just a tool.

i.

Effective thinking
According to Barry K. Beyer (1995), critical thinking means making clear, reasoned
judgments. During the process of critical thinking, ideas should be reasoned, well thought
out, and judged. Effective thinking as proposed by Prensky would start with the very
early grades, in this new subject area Students would learn from the earliest grades how
to involve world databases, knowledge, sources, and teams in their thinking processes for
example, by creating and analyzing their own surveys of worldwide student opinion on
current topics. According to Prensky (2014) and I concur all of the fundamentals of
good thinking can be learned by considering situations and problems in whatever area is
of interest to each individual student. In mathematics for example, procedure is
imperative, students can now instead of focusing on the subject matter focus on how they
approach thinking about it. The scope of effective thinking is not limited to any one

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problem from a particular content area but it can be taken from all areas once it is of
appropriate scope and level.
ii.

Effective action:
Effective action involves getting students to become more proactive, initiating positive
actions and programmes which can improve the society around them, whether it is a
community, the country or the world at large. This subject is irrespective of grade levels
all students can learn to start and manage real life projects, inculcating the values and
attitudes of good citizenship. As purported by Steven Corey in his book entitled The
Seven Habits of Effective People, there is, emphasis on the goal of effective action in
school. These habits include begin with the end in mind, do first things first and be
proactive among others. Prensky proposes that effective action teaches students to
possess a positive mind set, resilience, entrepreneurship, innovation, improvisation,
breaking down of barriers, project management and more. Effective action is relevant in
the 21st century as it speaks mainly to developing entrepreneurial skills amongst students.
This is relevant as wealth and a high majority of jobs are created by small businesses
started by entrepreneurially minded individuals, many of whom go on to create big
businesses.

iii.

Effective relationships:
Effective relationships would foster students high-level communication skills: one-onone, in teams, in peer groups, in communities, and in work groups. Effective relationships
are very imperative in the world of work thus enabling students with the skills to be ready
to take on the future. Students are allowed at a tender age to get use to working with
persons to arrive at a common goal. It allows students to get use to the idea of working
with people whose ideas differ from theirs. The advent of technology requires individuals
who are digital natives with the ability to connect to individuals all over the world
effectively relating information and sharing ideas. In the 21st century no matter where you
go for employment you will have co-workers who you will have to work with to arrive at
a common goal, being exposed to the subject effective relationship will allow students to
make a smooth transition from the school setting into the working world.

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2. How will this new way of teaching impact traditional pedagogical norms? Explore (1)
implication of embracing this new curriculum from the teachers perspective.
This new curriculum will positively impact traditional pedagogical norms of teachers.
Traditional pedagogical norms require dependence on a content-based curriculum where
knowledge is imperative. This new curriculum integrated with the advent of technology has
sought to positively reform pedagogical norms to more authentic and relevant content material.
Prensky states that the four (4) core subjects Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and Social
Studies- although still important for many people and careers are no longer for the future, the
core skills they once were for the past.
One implication of embracing this new curriculum from the teachers perspective is that they
would have to re-evaluate how they teach. Teachers would have a more engaging classroom. The
engagement theory suggests that intrinsic motivation is the center for engaging students in
activities. It sets out three important principles of the theory, which are relate, create and
donate. By means of implementing Prensky new curriculum, these three principles would be
fulfilled. Teaching will change, as teachers wont focus on imparting knowledge to their students
anymore but focus on improving their skills so that they can function in this technological world.
Additionally, it will change the talk and chalk teaching method that has been used as a teaching
and learning strategy for years.

3. Describe one (1) implication of instituting this new curriculum from a policy makers
perspective.
Policy makers are the persons (usually members of the board of directors) who have
the authority to set the guidelines / guiding principles of an organization.
Prensky curriculum is technology based, therefore; it aims to assist children in how to become
proactive workers in a technological era. Policy makers would have to introduce and execute the
integration of technology in the teaching and learning of students. In todays world, information
is gained by just a tap of an IPAD or a swipe of a tablet; gaining information is no longer the sole
purpose of students attending school anymore, they need to know how to exist in a technological
world- how to manipulate these tools to provide and become technological products for the
benefit of their country.

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Therefore, policy makers would have to apply policies that focus on the integration of
technology in teaching. Schools would have to be equipped with the necessary technology
devices that relate to the success and execution of the new curriculum suggested by Marc
Prensky. Additionally, teachers in the field and teachers in training will have to get the necessary
training on how to operate technology so that they can employ this in their teaching. According
to (Reid & Ginder 2010)), he pointed out that if we use technology in the classroom, the policy
makers would have to take in account the teachers training using technology so that they are
effective in using the technology when teaching. Teachers will also need development workshops
to train them into the reformation of the New Curriculum. Policy makers have to also ensure that
all students have equitable access to the technological equipment. The policy makers also have to
create policies to facilitate the use of technology in the schools.

4. Using relevant examples, give details of three (3) ways in which the teacher could
integrate technology in teaching and learning, to aid in enhancing effective: thinking,
action, relationships and accomplishments in a current subject area of his/her choice.
Technology integration within the classroom is the new order of the day, almost everywhere you
go, you hear people talking about the many benefits to be had from integrating technology into
the classroom such as; it sparking students interest and it caters to the different learning styles
which exists in the classroom. But technology being integrated in the classroom is not an easy
task if it is to be an effective tool in the teaching/learning process.
Three (3) ways in which technology can be integrated is though the use of PowerPoint
presentations, the use of videos and last but not least the use of Schoology within the classroom.
i.

PowerPoint is a computer program that allows you to create and show slides to
support a presentation. You can combine text, graphics and multi-media content to
create professional presentations. As technology enters the classroom more and
more each year, there are always new innovations being brought into the fold that
can help teachers to get their points across better, and help students learn more
efficiently. One such tool that has been utilized in the classroom for some time
now and continues to be used heavily is the Microsoft PowerPoint program. With
the use of PowerPoint the lesson can become and interactive throughout the
lesson or for the assessment. Students will have the option of making selection by
answering given questions.

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ii.

Another way to successfully include technology in the classroom is through the

use of videos and games. Students often get tired of hearing the same voice
explain things to them every day, especially if this is being done with little or no
enthusiasm. Similarly there is some information that is better seen than just read
about. Teachers can therefore turn to YouTube videos to explain events or
information in a fun and creative way. Another way in which the teacher could
integrate technology in teaching and learning, to aid in enhancing effective they
would use video and computer game playing, within limits, it is actually very
beneficial to in teaching and learning. This allows students to use games to
prepare themselves for life in the 21st century. The reason students are so
attracted to these games is that they are learning about important future things,
from collaboration, to prudent risk taking, to strategy formulation and execution,
to complex moral and ethical decisions.

iii.

Schoology is an online resource where teachers and students are able to

communicate about subject related matters; teachers are able to post videos and
printed materials about the subject for students to view. As it relates to enhancing
effective thinking, teachers are able to post questions that are current affair and
gets students to really think and comment on their views on the matter. It gives the
teaching and learning procedure to be an active one that involves both the teacher
and student; in other words it does not focus or rely on neither the teacher nor the
student, it gives both parties a chance to correlate thus enhancing effective
relationship for the students. Also, it gives students the ability to express their
own views on a specific matter, training them to be critical thinkers and
enhancing their ability to be effective thinkers. Through this, a group discussion
can be drawn allowing students and teachers to learn from each others views thus
building on their own learning. It can be used as a prop test tool where the teacher
technologically uploads past papers as well where students are able to see, use and
practice past papers on various topics.

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References
Importance of Entrepreneurship Education. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2015,
fromhttp://www.entreed.org/Standards_Toolkit/importance.htm
Prensky, M. (2013, March 1). Membership. Retrieved March 22, 2015,
fromhttp://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar13/vol70/num06/OurBrains-Extended.aspx
Green, J., Soloway, E., Reid, K. & Headly, A. (n.d). Critical Issue: Using Technology to
Enhance Engaged Learning for At-Risk Students. Retrieved March
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/atrisk/at400.htm

Prensky, M. (2014). The world needs a new curriculum. From Educational Technology,
May-June 2014. Retrieved on March 2015 from http://marcprensky.com/wpcontent/uploads/2013/05/Prensky-5-The-World_Needs_a_New_Curriculum.pdf.

Okojie, M. CPO, Olinzock, A. A., and Okojie-Boulder, T.C. (n.d). The Pedagogy of
Technology Integration. The journal of Technological Studies. Retrieved
fromhttp://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JOTS/v32/v32n2/okojie.html.