Chapter 3

1.
Learning Objective 1. Discuss the Information Age of the twenty-first century and identify what knowledge is worth knowing.

Human economic history has advanced through 3 stages. The first was the Agricultural age. This was a time of shifting agricultural methods. Next came the Industrial age. With this came the development of mechanical devices such as the steam engine. During this time human activity in urban areas boomed. With this came the recognition that citizens need an increase in education. Children began to receive increasing amounts of education. A high school curriculum was developed.
The last stage has been the Information age. This has been marked by high speed communication, namely the development of the Internet. The use of cell phones and email has greatly expanded our communication systems. American citizens need to be able to make sense of the mass amounts of communication. School need to prepare students to do the following:
1) Communicate using a variety of media and formats
2) Access and exchange information in a variety of ways
3) Compile, organize, analyze, and synthesize information
4) Draw conclusions and make generalizations based on information gathered
5) Know content and be able to locate additional information as needed
6) Become self-directed learners
7) Interact with others in ethical and appropriate ways

2.
Question

As we move to a technology focused age should we still be teaching students to use the "old" methods? I feel like students rely more and more on technology such as spell check and calculators. This can hinder their content knowledge if they are not forced to learn correct spelling and algebra. Should they be encouraged to learn the basics and then use technology as a supplement?

3.
My teaching

It is important for teachers to know what will be expected of their students when they graduate and are out in the real world. Students need to learn how to use modern technology but, just has importantly, they need to learn how to use higher level thinking to solve problems. Technology can be an amazing tool but students need to learn how to learn new technology on their own. Technology will aid them in their lives in communication and other areas of their careers. Giving a good foundation in school will aid students for real world situations.