This document discusses the need for a new model of pedagogy that embraces 21st century learning techniques utilizing technology. It provides examples from New Brunswick and Portugal that have implemented one-to-one laptop programs for students. While the impact on learning is still being assessed, early results show students engaged in higher quality work, improved information literacy skills, and increased interest in learning. The key is for teachers to guide student discovery and collaboration instead of just lecturing.

1. Needed: A New
Model of Pedagogy
Don Tapscott

2. Tapscott counters that the root of
the problem is our outmoded
The movie “Waiting for Superman” model of pedagogy
argues that bad teachers and
unions are at the center of the
problem with the school system in We employ a teacher‐centered
America, and that charter schools model that is one way, one‐size‐
are the answer fits‐all and the student is isolated in
the learning process

3. We need to embrace 21st Century
learning technology and
techniques, which is about a
change in the relationship between
the student and teacher in the
learning process
What would happen if the
classroom were brought into the
21st Century?

4. New Brunswick
2004 Pilot Project gave laptops to Result:
Grade 7 and 8 students in 6 schools •Students produced higher
volumes or higher quality work
•They demonstrated effective
information literacy skills in the
digital environment
•They were more interested in
learning
•Their grades went up

5. Many policy makers have a
The province expanded the one‐ problem with the cost, which is as
laptop‐per‐child program to cover much as $1,000 per year per child
3900 school children (23% of
Grade 7 and 8 students), over 5 (The expanded program cost $37.2
years million)

6. Portugal
Has invested heavily in the biggest • Financed by government funds
program in the world to equip and mobile operators who were
every child in the country with a granted 3G licenses
laptop and access to the internet • If you’re a teacher or a student,
(400 million €) you can buy a laptop for 150 €
• You also get a discounted rate for
broadband Internet access

7. Result:
• Students loved learning,
collaborating, and working at
their own pace It’s too early to assess the impact
• The teacher became a guide on learning in Portuguese schools
rather than an instructor
Studies of the impact of computers
in schools elsewhere have been
inconclusive, or mixed

8. • Teachers can encourage students
to discover for themselves and
learn critical thinking instead of
just memorizing information
• Teachers can encourage students
to collaborate among themselves
and with others outside the
school
• Teachers can tailor the style of
Technology is only the tool education to their students’
individual learning styles
The real work is creating a new
model of learning