Why learning with technology is crucial for K12 students

In his article, "Learning to Learn Software: Ten Heuristics" Patrick Dickson closes by saying, "In a global economy and a world of continual and accelerating change, we must create a society in which everyone knows how to continually learn and has the dispositions and habits of the heart to do so. Anyone today who waits to be taught runs the risk of being left behind by those who know how to learn on their own and with colleagues."
This is precisely what worries me every day about my students. They are not provided the opportunities to work with technology in a meaningful way. Sometimes they get time on a computer, but that is pretty hit or miss and usually confined to data processing or maybe a little Internet research, but no way close to fully utilizing the possibilities of Web 2.0 collaboration and sharing of knowledge. If they don't learn these skills in high school, where will they? Only a small percentage of students from my school go to college, they rest seek places in the job market. They are waiting to be taught. Their parents have confidence that the school is teaching their children the skills they will need as adults. However, if the students (and thereby, the parents) do not have exposure to Web 2.0 tools, how will they know what they are missing until it's too late? Teachers need to push, school districts need to push, legislatures need to respond in a morally responsible way rather than just clamoring for NCLB tests as a way to get votes and keep themselves in office.