Janet Murphy, project manager for the Advanced Broadband Enabled Learning (ABEL) at York University, participated in a panel at Canada 3.0 this week on learning in a digital society.

The Stratford Gazette covered Murphy's remarks at the event in an article published May 12:

The younger generations are living their lives with iPods blaring in their ears and a cellphone glued to their hand. So when they head into the classroom, it's no wonder their minds begin to wander when their teacher starts writing on the blackboard.

Learning in today's digital society was just one of the issues tackled during this week's Canada 3.0 forum, held at the Stratford Rotary Complex Monday and Tuesday.

“We’re in an old-school way of thinking and we have some work to do around that teaching culture,” said Janet Murphy, project manager for the Advanced Broadband Enabled Learning (ABEL) program at York University and the York Region District School Board.

She noted most schools ban cellphones, which are the “most powerful computing devices” we possess. She was quick to point out teachers and faculty are prepared to shift, but face a number of impediments along the way.

The ABEL program works with both public and private sectors to help transform learning and connect people together. She noted that young people don’t view technology as technology – it is only the older generations who see it that way. “This really is an opportunity like no other,” she said, of digital learning, calling every day a “learning day”.

The complete article is available on the Stratford Gazette's Web site.

ABEL supports the effective use of new and existing information communications technologies to encourage innovation, and provides educators and researchers with pedagogical support, technological assistance, the use of collaborative and innovative applications and tools.

Republished courtesy of YFile– York University’s daily e-bulletin.