Who are our learners and what are their expectations in being technologically engaged in school? When the first Star Wars movie came out in 1977, most in education were not aware of the Apple II and Radio Shack TRS-80 personal computers. Throughout the releases of other sequels and prequels of Star Wars, we have seen an exponential rise in computer use in education. As “The Force Awakens” (reference to the new Star Wars movie) the personal computer is no longer the first choice of tech tool for the millennial student. Social media is prevalent in their lives and many teachers have taken advantage of using this technology for collaborative learning. Mobile devices are ubiquitous and provide immediate access to knowledge and social learning. This session will explore how students use multiple tools for both formal and informal learning. The session will also discuss how students in Hawaii use gaming, robotics and virtual learning environments to demonstrate their knowledge and skills that are emerging in the 21st-century learning environment.
