Transforming Schools

I watched an interesting video segment by Chris Lehmann, who is the principal of the Science Leadership Academy.  He argues that schools unplug students - making them turn off cell phones, Ipods, etc. - and as a result schools do not connect with students.  Instead, he argues, schools need to learn how to connect in meaningful ways with the tools that students have and transform their educational experience.  

Lehmann suggests that schools need to care more about students than about the content.  He is not saying that content is unimportant.  He is saying, I think, that unless we connect with the students, make class meaningful and purposeful, and help students understand the importance of the content, students will not learn the content anyway.

He argues that technology can help us connect with students, make learning more personal and meaningful.  The way we use technology now in schools is not transformative.  For the most part, technology currently increases the excitement level but not the educational value of school.  

If we don't figure out how to harness the transformative power of technology, schools will continue to suffer and not fulfill their transformative potential.