The ‘Millennials’ Usher in a New Era
cnet News: November 17, 2005

Another news posting highlights the phenomena that the generation born after 1980 have a ‘digital native’ sense of technology and it’s place within their learning, communication, ntertainment and, of course, social life.

The author does a good job of not just explaining the phenomena, but really why everyone believes it has the potential to accomplish what we haven’t been able to architect on our own.

Nortel’s work to support new and innovative approaches to technology powered learning are showcased in their new site.

Case studies, profiles and background on campus/school environments that are well-positioned to take advantage of Nortel LearniT are showcased.

Nortel LearniT is pleased to announce a programming partnership with the Media Production Program at Orlando Tech. The school, a part of the Orange County Public School System in Orlando, Florida, is dedicated to preparing students for 21st century careers.

Under the direction of Television Production Supervisor, Mr. Paul Read, students from the program will produce sessions from this years International Student Media Festival (ISMF). The sessions focus on developing core technology skills among students and teachers. The finished sessions will be distributed through the Nortel LearniT portal as a part of its Support iT repository.

This is a terrific tool that teachers, students and parents could use to find key teaching resources as well as supplemental instructional materials.

http://www.awesomelibrary.org/

I think that in addition to this approach, having students and teachers, create their own version of such ‘mini-tutorials’ via digital video, would further enhance other users experiences. It is our desire to foster such a creative, and useful approach to training others on how they are successfully using technology in engaging and effective ways.

Nortel LearniT has hundreds of free lesson plans, video tutorials and other teaching resources that are designed to integrate the use of technology into your subject based instruction. If you are new to our site, I would encourage you to take a minute to look at our Getting Started page and a short (just over 1-minute long) introduction video there. It will explain where to look for what resources would be of interest to you on our web site. http://www.nortellearnit.org/LearnitGet_Started.aspx

Once you’ve seen the basic structure and navigation tips for our site, please feel free to explore. One suggestion to help your exploration is to look at the left most panel drop down window and select a technology topic that interests. you. If you’re not sure, start with Discovering the Internet; it may be basic information for you, but it will allow you to see the format for most of our video tutorials.

Next, do a search in the Lesson Plan center section of the site. Look for something that might be of interest to what you’ll be covering in class a few weeks or month from now. I like the lesson plan on Political Cartoons and it features a hands-on project using digital imaging skills.

As you find resources in these two columns you will notice that the 3rd, right most side panel will present an assortment of related or supporting content. Here you will find items to print, evaluation tools and different types of videos, those produced by other students, that sowcase the projects that they have been involved with. Take a look at the “Kids in Action” video on Student Perspectives on Presenting with Technology. I think your 8th grade students will enjoy seeing what other kids did with Powerpoint projects in their classes.

After you have had a chance to explore our offering, I’d love to hear your opinion as to whether there is anything that you are able to use. We’re always hungry to get feedback from teachers, and we’re always looking for new ways to help educators have great experiences with the technology in their classrooms.

Hot Shot Business is a free Internet simulation game for 9-12 year olds that teaches kids about running their own businesses. The game blends the fun of interactive gaming, with important, real-world lessons that teach kids entrepreneurial concepts.

In the same vein as the Oregon Trail, Roller Coaster Tycoon and other simulation games, Hot Shot Business aims to engage, but to pack some valuable experiences in those having fun.

Take a look at the site yourself and tell us what you think about this approach to teaching and learning.