Technology Inside and Outside of School

I viewed an interesting interview with Elliot Soloway, a University of Michigan professor, about the use of technology inside and outside of school.  He suggests that many knowledge workers use technology all the time - computers, mobile phones, and so on.  To these workers technology is an essential part of their life and their work.  

He argues that many students rely on technology - outside of school.  They have mobile phones with internet access.  They text message, blog, twitter, download music, upload videos to You Tube, etc. Outside of school these students are much like the knowledge workers - technology is essential. They rely on it in all facets of their lives.

However, inside of school technology becomes optional.  For a variety of reasons students do not have access or do not use technology in meaningful and profound ways in school.  In fact, in many cases technology use is discouraged.  

Those who study the future of education say that we are moving toward a society where learning can and will take place 24/7.  Are we preparing students for that reality?  Can we prepare students for that reality?  The answers to these questions may change our schools.

How can we prepare teachers to use technology in more meaningful ways in class?  How can technology help our students learn?  Can technology help our students learn better or faster?  Can technology help our students learn more? How will the use of technology - the rich and powerful use of technology - change the relationship between teachers and students?