July 24, 2006 – Pat Redhead

Pat’s message was the infusion of technology with the program of studies. This allows for a new, more modern course to be developed that has the ICT outcomes fused with the course objectives for all subjects. This would be an ideal situation as the technology would then not be a stand-alone, it would become invisible. She also described technology in a much broader sense rather than just implying computers and the internet. I was quite glad to hear of this broader definition as I have been interpreting technology to mean things like cameras, video and TV as well.

Another interesting discussion Pat brought up was that of the universal design for learning. To me, this means that we develop something using technology for a specific purpose, and there are many other uses for this than was originally planned. It’s a great feeling when you can design a project that can be used in other disciplines! I find that if you collaborate with someone on a project, is quite often has more than one purpose...so... collaborate more often!

Directions in Alberta Education: diversity and design for learning