Has technology redefined learning?

It’s an interesting question, and beyond all the articles, videos, and even beyond our classrooms we teach I think the obvious answer is, yes.  But I’m assuming learning takes place outside as well as inside the classroom.  The generations beyond mine are learning in radically different ways than ever before.  More and more schools are revamping their curriculums to develop 21^st century skills into their subject.  The fact we had to review the 21^st century skills framework tells me learning is changing with technology.  Another example would be the 2012 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Stumpenhorst.  Here is a teacher who has used technology to collaborate with other teachers and their classrooms from all over the world.  Students now more than ever can learn multiple disciplines during a class while using technology.  For example, students in Mr. Stumpenhorst’s social studies classroom are learning the subject along with computer typing and research skills while also learning about different cultures from their work with the other classes.  What I continue to think about during this week is the learning that is taking place beyond the educational classrooms.  How many of us now are talking with friends and bring up a topic no one is sure about only for someone to pull out their iphone and right then and there to research the answer?  Answers to questions are no longer painstaking to find.  Learning now has, or is going to be, more about what can we do with all the knowledge that is now at our finger tips.   

Our small group notes.