The New "Free Agent Learner"

Villanova University April 7, 2011Coming Soon to Your School or Campus: The New “Free Agent Learner Are you ready?Speak Up 2010• National Findings Julie Evans• Regional Findings Project Tomorrow jevans@tomorrow.org © Project Tomorrow 2010

Today’s Discussion: The Big QuestionsWhat are the expectations of K-12 students for 21stcentury learning?How does that student vision compare with classroomrealities?How well are today’s K-12 schools meeting theexpectations of students? What does this mean forhigher education institutions? © Project Tomorrow 2010

Today’s Discussion: The Big QuestionsWhat are the expectations of K-12 students for 21stcentury learning?How does that student vision compare with classroomrealities?How well are today’s K-12 schools meeting theexpectations of students? What does this mean forhigher education institutions?Who is this “Free Agent Learner?” © Project Tomorrow 2010

Discussion Agenda: About the Speak Up National Research Project Student Vision for 21st Century Education Classroom Realities Key Trends We Are Watching Meet the Free Agent Learner Conversation – Your insights! © Project Tomorrow 2010

Defining 21st century education . . . “I believe that the purpose of education is not to make men carpenters, but to make carpenters men. To be competitive in a workplace that is changing and will change continuously throughout our careers, my peers and I need to be able to read and understand new information at a level never before prevalent. This should be, however, a familiar aim for the forces of academia, however, since what we must learn, in essence, is to learn. I would ensure a broad and balanced education that exposes every student to rigorous inquiry in every discipline, from physics to pottery and makes them active participants in the process of inquiry and learning.” 11th grade student Pittsburgh PA © Project Tomorrow 2010

Speak Up National Research Project Annual national research project Online surveys + focus groups Open for all K-12 schools and schools of education Institutions receive free report with their own data Collect ideas ↔ Stimulate conversations K-12 Students, Teachers, Parents, Administrators, Librarians Pre-Service Teachers in Schools of Education Inform policies & programs Analysis and reporting of findings and trends Consulting services to help transform teaching and learning © Project Tomorrow 2010

Speak Up National Research Project Empowering authentic voices – since 2003: 1.9 million K-12 students 180,000 teachers and librarians 124,000 parents 15,500 school and district leaders 30,000 K-12 schools – from all 50 states, DC, American military base schools, Canada, Mexico, Australia, int’l schools . . . 2.2 million respondents © Project Tomorrow 2010

Speak Up survey question themes Learning & Teaching with Technology 21st Century Skills: Digital Citizenship Science and Math Instruction Career Interests in STEM and Teaching Professional Development / Teacher Preparation Internet Safety Administrators’ Challenges Emerging Technologies in the Classroom Mobile Devices, Online Learning, Digital Content Educational Games, Web 2.0 tools and applications Designing the 21st Century School © Project Tomorrow 2010

National Speak Up 2010 Participation: 379,355 K-12 Students 294,399 Teachers 35,525 Librarians 2,135 Parents (in English & Spanish) 42,267 School/District Administrators 3,578 Technology Leaders 1,391 Schools / Districts 6,541 / 1,340 Participating States for Student Surveys: 48 states Top 12 (# of participants): TX, CA, AL, AZ, FL, NC, IL, MD, IN, NV, PA, WI © Project Tomorrow 2010

National Speak Up 2010 Participation: 379,355 About our K-12 Schools: 34% urban, 29% suburban, 37% rural 51% Title 1 eligible – indicating community poverty 34% majority-minority student population © Project Tomorrow 2010

Regional Speak Up 2010 Participation PA NJ DE K-12 Students 6802 973 1630 Teachers & 642 na 805 Librarians Administrators 59 na 74 Parents 728 na 301 © Project Tomorrow 2010

Speak Up 2010 National Findings 1st of two reports The New 3 E’s of Education:Enabled, Engaged, Empowered How today’s students are leveraging emerging technologies for learning © Project Tomorrow 2010

You are invited:National Release of the 2010 Speak Up Data Findings from K-12 Teachers, Librarians and Administrators Wednesday, May 11, 2011 12 noon – 1:30 pm Rayburn House Office Building - Room B339 Presentation of Findings and 2nd Report Panel of Educators Interactive Discussion Bring your smart phone! © Project Tomorrow 2010

What can the Speak Upfindings tell us about the future of learning? © Project Tomorrow 2010

What can the Speak Up data tell us about thefuture of learning? Increasingly, students’ aspirations around the use of emerging technologies within education is a reflection of their desired vision for learning in general. © Project Tomorrow 2010

Voices of K-12 StudentsSpeak Up 2010 Activities, Attitudes & Aspirations Disconnects & Differences Trends & Leverage Points Other data available on K-12 Teachers, Administrators, Parents & Librarians © Project Tomorrow 2010

Speak Up Data Findings Warm Up Interactive Exercise © Project Tomorrow 2010

MY ONLINE LIFE © Project Tomorrow 2010

In my personal life, I …. Use online communications tools (68%) Update Facebook regularly (47%) Play online games (46%) Upload, download, create media (29%)Use Google Docs for collaborative writing (27%) Blog and contribute to wikis (19%) © Project Tomorrow 2010

Who is?1. 2nd Grade Boy (8 years old)2. 6th Grade Girl (12 years old)3. 10th Grade Boy (16 years old)4. College Sophomore – Female (20 years old)5. Teacher or Instructor – under 32 years old © Project Tomorrow 2010

Who is a 6th Grade Girl(12 years old)? © Project Tomorrow 2010

Uses online communications tools (68%) Updates Facebook regularly (47%) Plays online games (46%) Uploads, downloads, creates media (29%)Uses Google Docs for collaborative writing (27%) Blogs and contributes to wikis (19%) © Project Tomorrow 2010

Key Findings: Speak Up 2003 – 2010 Students function as a “Digital Advance Team” Students regularly adopt and adapt emerging technologies for learning Students’ frustrations with the unsophisticated use of technologies within education Lack of relevancy in education exacerbated Persistent digital disconnect between students and adults © Project Tomorrow 2010

Result:A new uniquely “student vision”for leveraging emergingtechnologies to drive achievementand educational productivity © Project Tomorrow 2010

Creating Our Future: Students Speak Up abouttheir Vision for 21st Century Learning Social–based learning Un–tethered learning Digitally–rich learning © Project Tomorrow 2010

Creating Our Future: Students Speak Up abouttheir Vision for 21st Century Learning Three Essential Elements Social–based learning Students want to leverage emerging communications and collaboration tools to create personal networks of experts © Project Tomorrow 2010

Creating Our Future: Students Speak Up abouttheir Vision for 21st Century Learning Three Essential Elements Un-tethered learning Students envision technology-enabled learning that transcends classroom walls © Project Tomorrow 2010

Creating Our Future: Students Speak Up abouttheir Vision for 21st Century Learning Three Essential Elements Digitally-rich learning Students see the use of relevancy-based digital tools, content and resources as key to education productivity © Project Tomorrow 2010

The New 3 E’s of Education:Enabled, Engaged, Empowered Key Trends to Watch: Mobile Learning Online and Blended Learning E-Textbooks and Digital Content © Project Tomorrow 2010

The New 3 E’s of Education:Enabled, Engaged, EmpoweredKey Trends: Mobile Learning © Project Tomorrow 2010

Students and their devices: PA Table 1: Personal Access to Mobile Devices Device K-2 Gr 3-5 Gr 6-8 Gr 9-12 Cell phone (without internet access) 24% 30% 54% 61% Smart phone 12% 15% 26% 42% Laptop 36% 42% 58% 66% MP3 46% 62% 81% 87% Tablet device (iPad) 13% 6% 9% 6% © Project Tomorrow 2010

Students and their devices: PA Table 1: Personal Access to Mobile DevicesDevice K-2 Gr 3-5 Gr 6-8 Gr 9-12Cell phone (without internet 24% 30% 54% 61% access)Smart phone 12% 15% 26% 42%Laptop 36% 42% 58% 66%MP3 46% 62% 81% 87% 42%Tablet device (iPad) 13% 6% 9% 6% increase over 2009 Device Gr 6-8 Nat’l Gr 9-12 Nat’l Smart phone 34% 44% © Project Tomorrow 2010

Students – Grades 6-8: How would you use yourmobile device to help you with schoolwork?1. To increase effectiveness of school: PA NJCheck grades 69% 59%Take notes for class 61% 66%Access online textbooks 45% 55%Use the calendar 43% 48%Learn about school activities 42% 40% © Project Tomorrow 2010

Students – Grades 6-8: How would you use yourmobile device to help you with schoolwork?2. To leverage capabilities for greater impact: PA NJAnytime, anywhere research 64% 64%Collaborate with peers & teachers 48% 52%Organize schoolwork/assignments 44% 47%Create and share documents 36% 42%Record lectures/labs 34% 41% © Project Tomorrow 2010

Administrators: So, what prevents you fromallowing students to use their own devices atschool? Administrators say: 1. Teachers are not trained 2. Concerns about network security 3. Concerns about theft 4. Devices could be distraction 5. Digital equity issues © Project Tomorrow 2010

Administrators: How likely are you this year toallow students to use their own mobile devicesfor instructional purposes at school? Administrators say: Likely Unlikely 22% 63% © Project Tomorrow 2010

Would parents purchase a mobile device fortheir child to use at school? Parents say: Likely Unlikely 67% 11% © Project Tomorrow 2010

Parents’ willingness to support mobile learning Parents: Would you buy a mobile device for your child to use at school? (by grade of child in school) 70% Likely 69% 63% School 12% 13% responsibility 14% 8% Unlikely 10% 11% 7% Unsure 8% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% K - Gr 5 Gr 6-8 Gr 9-12 © Project Tomorrow 2010

Would parents purchase a data plan to supporttheir child’s use of the mobile device at school? Parents say: Likely Unlikely 54% 16% © Project Tomorrow 2010

The New 3 E’s of Education:Enabled, Engaged, EmpoweredKey Trends: Online and Blended Learning © Project Tomorrow 2010

Who is learning online? Growth in student experiences with academic online learning20102009 Students Gr 9-122008 Students Gr 6-8 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Includes: • Online class taught by a teacher • Self-study online class • Blended class environment © Project Tomorrow 2010

If you haven’t taken an online class, would youlike to? Student Interest in Online Learning 60% 50% 40% PA 30% NJ 20% DE 10% 0% Gr 3-5 Gr 6-8 © Project Tomorrow 2010

What is holding back greater adoption?Students say they face barriers in accessingonline classes“I don’t know about the classes offered at my school” (34%)“My school does not offer online classes” (29%)“I don’t know how to sign up for online classes” (24%)“I don’t know how to find information about online classes”(23%)“I can’t afford to pay for an online class” (17%) © Project Tomorrow 2010

Why take an online class? For high school students, traditional reasons: scheduling and college credit. For middle school students, it’s about changing the learning paradigm. © Project Tomorrow 2010

Why take an online class?For high school students, traditional reasons: scheduling andcollege credit.For middle school students, it’s about changing the learningparadigm. Get extra help in a tough subject More comfortable asking questions In control of my own learning More motivated to learn Work at my own pace Review class materials whenever I want Share ideas with my classmates © Project Tomorrow 2010

Students’ favorite tool forcollaborating with peers on school projects and assignments © Project Tomorrow 2010

What is?1. Online chat2. Skype3. Email4. IM and text messaging5. Facebook © Project Tomorrow 2010

What is IM and text messaging? © Project Tomorrow 2010

Favorite collaboration tool for schoolwork: Online chat 49% Skype 32% Email 50% IM and text messaging 59% Facebook 47% © Project Tomorrow 2010

The New 3 E’s of Education:Enabled, Engaged, EmpoweredKey Trends: E-Textbooks & Digital Content © Project Tomorrow 2010

What if ….We asked students (and parents) to design the ultimate digital textbook?What features and functionality would they desire? © Project Tomorrow 2010

Students’ desires for the features andfunctionality of digital textbooks Three themes emerge from the data: Students want interactivity and relevancy They want tools to facilitate collaboration They want ways to personalize learning © Project Tomorrow 2010

Designing the Ultimate E-Textbook Un-tethered Learning Enabled by the E-TextbookCommunications tools Collaboration tools Online tutorsChat rooms with video 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Gr 6-8 Girl Gr 6-8 Boy Middle School Parents © Project Tomorrow 2010

Designing the Ultimate E-Textbook Engaging Social-based Learning with the E-Textbook Online classes Self assessments Middle School Parents Gr 6-8 Boy Mobile apps Gr 6-8 GirlDownload to phone 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% © Project Tomorrow 2010

Designing the Ultimate E-Textbook Empowering Digitally-rich Content through the E-Textbook Virtual labs Video clips Links to real time data GamesAnimations and simulations Access to 3D content 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Gr 6-8 Girl Gr 6-8 Boy Middle School Parents © Project Tomorrow 2010

Info and media literacy skills: what’s important? Table 2: PA Teachers and Students differ on the relative importance of information and media literacy skills High School Information and Media Literacy Skill Teachers Students Ability to identify information sources for 73% 53% research Ability to prepare written/verbal research reports 61% 54% Ability to produce digital media reports 25% 37% Know how to analyze and interpret media 46% 49% stories Know how to detect bias in resources 53% 43% Understand how to evaluate the authenticity of 72% 43% resources © Project Tomorrow 2010

#1 way to get students interested and engaged inscience … per the students themselves © Project Tomorrow 2010

What is?1. Having a teacher that is excited about science2. Creating multi-media presentations of findings3. Doing real research using online databases4. Using animations5. Reading the science textbook © Project Tomorrow 2010

The Student Vision for 21st Century Learning Social–based learning Un–tethered learning Digitally–rich learning © Project Tomorrow 2010

Do you face obstacles using technology at school? Students say YES! Top responses from high school students: PA Nat’l 1. School filters and firewalls 65% 59% 2. I cannot use my mobile device 63% 52% 3. I cannot use my own laptop 40% 29% 4. Teachers limit our technology use 37% 37% 5. Too many rules! 34% 31% © Project Tomorrow 2010

How schools could make it easier for you to use technologyRecommendations of high school students:1. Allow greater access to websites I need (71%)2. Let me use my own mobile device (56%)3. Give me unlimited Internet access on campus (44%)4. Let me use my own laptop (41%)5. Provide classwork and resources online (36%)6. Let me recharge my devices (32%)7. Access my social networking site and communications tools (31%) © Project Tomorrow 2010

The use of technology in schools today Do you agree with this statement? “My school is doing a good job of using technology to enhance learning and student achievement.” © Project Tomorrow 2010

“My school is doing a good job of usingtechnology to enhance learning and studentachievement.” Yes! • 74% of high school teachers • 72% of high school principals • 62% of parents of high school aged children © Project Tomorrow 2010

“My school is doing a good job of usingtechnology to enhance learning and studentachievement.” Yes! • 74% of high school teachers • 72% of high school principals • 62% of parents of high school aged children But only 47% of high school students agree! © Project Tomorrow 2010

Imagine you are designing the ultimate school. Which technology tools and serviceswould have the greatest positive impact on learning? © Project Tomorrow 2010

Imagine you are designing the ultimate school. Which technology tools and serviceswould have the greatest positive impact on learning? Are we all on the same page? © Project Tomorrow 2010

Ultimate School: Are we on the same page? Ultimate School: Enabling Mobile Learning iPad Smart phone LaptopsBring own device to school 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Gr 6-8 Students Gr 9-12 Students Parents Administrators © Project Tomorrow 2010

Ultimate School: Are we on the same page? Ultimate School: Engaging Online Learning Online tutors Online classes Collaboration toolsChat rooms for students 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Gr 6-8 Students Gr 9-12 Students Parents Administrators © Project Tomorrow 2010

Ultimate School: Are we on the same page? Ultimate School: Empowering Digital Content Campus w ide internet access Online or e-textbooks Games and virtual simulations Adaptive softw are 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Gr 6-8 Students Gr 9-12 Students Parents Administrators © Project Tomorrow 2010

Key trends we are watching: Continuing “digital disconnects” Spectrum of digital native-ness Multiple “computers” in the backpack Adaptation trumps adoption Anytime, anyplace, anywhere, any pace learning Developing personal expert networks © Project Tomorrow 2010

Key trends we are watching: Self directed learning for student & teacher Everyone is a content developer Make it relevant to me! Blurring of informal & formal learning lines Beyond engagement: it’s really about productivity! “Long tail” of training & education © Project Tomorrow 2010

Introducing the Free Agent Learner!Key Characteristics: Self directed learning Un-tethered to traditional education Expert at personal data aggregation Power of connections Creating new networks of experts Experiential learning is key – make it real Develops content as a learning experience Process as important as knowledge gained © Project Tomorrow 2010

Meet the Free Agent Learner!Sampling of activitiesSearched online for self-directed learning 47%Used cell phone apps to self organize 20%Found podcasts/videos to learn about something 18%Took an online test or assessment on their own 15%Used online writing tools to improve writing skills 15%Sought academic help thru Facebook 15%Created podcasts/videos to share knowledge 14% © Project Tomorrow 2010

Meet the Free Agent Learner!Sampling of activitiesSearched online for self-directed learning 47%Used cell phone apps to self organize 20%Found podcasts/videos to learn about something 18%Took an online test or assessment on their own 15%Used online writing tools to improve writing skills 15%Sought academic help thru Facebook 15%Created podcasts/videos to share knowledge 14% Who is this? © Project Tomorrow 2010

Today’s Discussion: The Original Big QuestionsWhat are the expectations of K-12 students for 21stcentury learning?How does that student vision compare with classroomrealities?How well are today’s K-12 schools meeting theexpectations of students? What does this mean forhigher education institutions?Who is this “Free Agent Learner?” © Project Tomorrow 2010

The New Big Questions What does this mean for your institution or district? Are you ready to address the needs of the Free Agent Learner? Does your operational plan support this student vision for learning? How will your faculty accommodate this new student vision for socially-based, un-tethered, digitally-rich learning? What is your vision for the future of teaching and learning? © Project Tomorrow 2010

More Speak Up? www.tomorrow.org National Speak Up Findings and reports Additional data analysis from Speak Up 2010 Presentations, podcasts and webinars Evaluation services Reports and white papers Participate in Speak Up 2011! © Project Tomorrow 2010

Thank you. Let’s continue this conversation. Julie Evans Project Tomorrow jevans@tomorrow.org 949-609-4660 x15 Copyright Project Tomorrow 2011.This work is the intellectual property of the author. Permission is grantedfor this material to be shared for non-commercial, educational purposes, provided that this copyright statement appears on the reproduced materials and notice is given that the copying is by permission of the author. To disseminate otherwise or to republish requires written permission from the author. © Project Tomorrow 2010

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The New "Free Agent Learner"

by Julie Evans

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