Changing the way we learn through technology

I grew up during the time when learning only involved teachers, textbooks and chalkboards. Yes, it seems that, will eventually become the new 'I walked barefoot to school.' There was no Google or The internets as we now know it.  Research involved going to the library scribbling notes or photocopying. The photo copier was our trump-card.

So I can't but wonder how different learning would have been for my generation had we had access to the technology at hand today?  Perhaps I would have been better at Math had there been platforms like The Khan Academy?

Eric Mazur, a Harvard physics professor has spent nearly 20 years developing an innovative teaching methodology. His basic idea is that most of the information consumption should be done outside the classroom, making in-class time more about measured optimized peer-to-peer discussion resulting in a higher retention of knowledge.

South Africa has recently seen the launch of iEducator, which is a holistic web-based maths program designed for Grades 1-7.  The system is user-friendly, has instant feedback as well as tracking progress. 

Learning is evolving into a beautiful mash-up of human engagement and technology.  In an age of information over-load, attention is quite naturally shifted towards all the bright shiny things. Just a teacher and chalk-board won't do anymore. It is the time of blended-learning. It is engaging, interactive, fun and it can be measured.  I'm really excited to be part of this.  Are you?