Our Brains Extended

Considering how to improve curriculum in the schools of the 21st century is an extremely important task. Educators must carefully consider how to combine human strengths with technology. In the article Our Brains Extended, Marc Prensky proposes many ideas to improve the curriculum of the future. The author raises some thought provoking suggestions that may come to fruition. The article states “Technology provides us with the new and enhanced capabilities we need.” In a sense this is true. The changes in technology have helped create a world that keeps society connected to many sources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our culture is constantly bombarded with information and we need to be able assess whether or not the information is reliable, accurate and useful. In order to use the information we have, individuals must be able to think critically. While technology provides the information, it can’t do the thinking for an individual. Critical thinking skills should be an essential element of the curriculum. The author encourages society to consider what qualities make the human brain unique. The article mentions empathy and passion as two qualities. Additionally, the author encourages teachers to act as resources providing empathy, questioning, guidance, coaching and encouragement. I agree that teachers who employ such skills do help promote learning in their students. Additionally, students should be taught how to use these skills as part of the curriculum. In terms of technology, I believe we need to utilize what we have available to promote learning in our students. If listening to a book helps a student access the curriculum better, it should be an available resource. If Lexia supports a child becoming a better reader, it should be utilized. If using Animoto helps a student share his knowledge in a creative way it should be used. As educators our goal should be to identify and employ technology in a useful and efficient way. The author tells us that students need to learn how to control technology. This is of the utmost importance. I don’t believe we can underestimate the capacity of the human brain. As a society we need to utilize and control the technology, not let it control us! As we use technology in the schools, I believe it is critical that we teach students to use it as a tool to enhance learning, not as a replacement for the brain.