Journal #8

Power of the Mashup: Combining Essential Learning with New Technology Tools, Suzie Boss & Jane Krauss, Learning & Leading with Technology, August 2007, Pages 12-17.

I used to be a computer geek. Then I burned out on computing and all things digital, electronic and video related. When I first saw this article I avoided it because, after giving it a light skim, I thought that it was probably going to be on how to use these various gadgets for teaching. What I failed to notice about this article, and that I finally got when I actually read it, is that the idea is to use established learning functions and then technology to enhance these already established functions. In other words integrate technology into the, and with the classics, not necessarily use technology to just teach the classics. What the authors call the “Power of the Mashup – a hybrid application that draws from multiple sources to create something new.” In other words, use technology to teach and enhance the learning experience. Using the authors Eight Essential Learning Functions: 1. Ubiquity; 2. Deep Learning; 3. Making Things Visible and Discussible; 4.Expressing Ourselves, Sharing Ideas, Building Community; 5. Collaboration; 6. Research; 7. Project Management; 8. Reflection and Iteration. By using the basics of learning and combining them with the technology tools available, “Burg and other teachers manage to keep their focus on these essential learning functions while staying alert to the potential of new technology tools.” Burg and Fagg came to the same realization, but from different directions. Burg discovered Google Earth and began exploring. Using the learning materials he had already amassed, he applied it to Google Earth, with spectacular results. “For Burg, it wasn’t the slick new technology that caught his attention, but rather how it would allow him to extend the reach of his proven teaching strategies.” Fagg, in the other hand admits he wanted to “…subvert the use of MP3 players in my classroom.” He also had a desire to stay focused on the essential learning, but to integrate the technology available. By using the MP3 players and other assorted technologies, he hoped to make history interactive for the students. “Both Burg and Fagg are good examples of teachers willing to take a classroom experiment public, inviting feedback from colleagues to help improve on project design.”

1) What have been some of the unexpected outcomes? Some of the unexpected results from the Mashup have been great. Students are staying interested longer and learning at their own pace. Students that learn better by hearing information are reporting an increased appeal to assignments that they can listen to learn. And, finally the authentic feedback from sources all over the world is very appealing.

2) Are teachers going to have to develop into techno geeks in the classroom? To a certain degree ‘yes’ teachers are going to have to develop strong technical skills to keep up with their students, but it also up to us to build strong learning functions as well. There is no reason why it can’t be fun for both the teachers and the students. While technology is undergoing vast changes all the time, the basic skills are established and stable.