I have noticed that the concept of change has been the key component in our seminar discussions. Some have expressed their thoughts on the importance of reform on our current education pedagogy, while others have stated that policy somewhat keeps us from moving forward. I personally believe that an individual's comfort towards differences may affect their decision on whether to pursue the new or to stick with the old. I will be honest, it takes time for me to accept change. I like things to be organized and I would prefer to expect what happens next rather than living in the moment. However, through this Masters program, I have been learning that change, especially in education, is crucial. Recently, I have shared the changes in learning skills and pedagogy with a friend of mine and she was pretty hesitant by the idea of technology used in the classroom. She expressed that children should not spend a large amount of time on tools (such as computers). As I reflect on this discussion, does this mean that our world is STILL not ready for this change? I welcome you to reflect on the changes in your stories and life and how it as affected you as a 21st century individual.
Now, to bring in some animation to this post, I welcome you to watch Rethink Learning: The 21st Century Learner. This short clip shows us how digital media is changing the way young people are playing and socializing.
Embracing our fast-paced world is the start to accepting the changes that is occurring in our education system. SMART Boards and iPads are just some of the technological tools that are being implemented in today's classrooms. Students blogging their homework and using Twitter to share online resources with their classmates is not something that I experienced when I was in grade school. Change allows us to evolve and we need to be prepared for it. When I reflected on my teaching practice, I wondered whether I possess the techniques and strategies of a 21st century teacher. Referring back to our first seminar, we answered a questionnaire obtained from www.simplek12.com. Out of the 21 questions, I have only (and barely) utilized 6 strategies. Obviously, there is still some (or many!) strategies and tools that I need to learn. From Rethink Learning video, Nichole Pinkard has stated that we are not born to be digitally native. However, we have the ability to consume media and we now have the choice to manipulate it. Today, we can see younger children with cell phones and portable game consoles. Whether we agree with it or not, children are learning how to utilize tools that currently exist. The idea of our world having this power to challenge and question content is something that I am still trying to grasp at.
New
technologies are transforming every aspect of work: reading and interacting
with the web; writing memos and sending email; computing with spreadsheets and
statistical analysis programs; analyzing problems with data visualization
tools; creating social networking sites; marketing with digital video tools; and creating presentations with PowerPoint (Warschauer, 2011). Somehow, all these changes reminds me of Inspector Gadget. As a child, I used to watch this show and I was really fascinated by all his tools that he had. In a way, he was very innovative and creative in solving cases. The animators were possibly trying to tell the audience that our world is changing?
I may not be built like Inspector Gadget, but there are tools that are allowing us to feel somewhat like a hero (maybe). For Christmas this year, I received an iPad mini that has been a lifesaver, especially when it comes to being a graduate student. Last term, I would print all the articles for my classes and then would file them into binders. So far, I have 2 large binders filled. With my iPad, I can bring my readings to class, already highlighted and saved. It may sound like I am selling an iPad to you, but it is quite a device that I never imagined using in school. It is astounding how one tool can change how the world works. The concept of change can be a difficult experience for some while others are willing to adopt it. Education is not only about consuming information, but to learn the tools and skills to produce and create new content. As mentioned in my previous post, our education system needs to step up and gear towards the 21st century. Information is all around us and it is easily accessible and that is why students need to learn what and how to work with them. Change can be scary, but it is time that we learn to love and accept it. The way we communicate, think, and comprehend has change the way educators are teaching. How do you feel about change? Are you prepared for what is to come?
- Tien
Photo retrieved from http://www.auburnschools.org/ahs/Media_Center/emergent_21st_century_teacher.gif
I may not be built like Inspector Gadget, but there are tools that are allowing us to feel somewhat like a hero (maybe). For Christmas this year, I received an iPad mini that has been a lifesaver, especially when it comes to being a graduate student. Last term, I would print all the articles for my classes and then would file them into binders. So far, I have 2 large binders filled. With my iPad, I can bring my readings to class, already highlighted and saved. It may sound like I am selling an iPad to you, but it is quite a device that I never imagined using in school. It is astounding how one tool can change how the world works. The concept of change can be a difficult experience for some while others are willing to adopt it. Education is not only about consuming information, but to learn the tools and skills to produce and create new content. As mentioned in my previous post, our education system needs to step up and gear towards the 21st century. Information is all around us and it is easily accessible and that is why students need to learn what and how to work with them. Change can be scary, but it is time that we learn to love and accept it. The way we communicate, think, and comprehend has change the way educators are teaching. How do you feel about change? Are you prepared for what is to come?
- Tien
References
Mcfound. (2010). Rethinking Learning: The 21st Century Learner | MacArthur Foundation.
[video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0xa98cy-Rw
Warschauer, M. (2011). Learning in the Cloud: How (and Why) to Transform with Digital Media. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Tien,
ReplyDeleteFirst off; a picture of 'Go Go Doctor Gadget' is instantly a winner so good job! I am really glad that you wrote about change and at the same, a little upset because I was going to blog about it haha..oh well, it's a good transition into mine! I took a class in the fall, Effecting Change in Education and it was really amazing and eye opening. You when you do something in life but can't really explain it but then you read a book or a text and you're like, "oh wow, that is exactly what I was going through". That happened to me in that course. Whenever it came to change I was always hesitant; I didn't know why, I just was. But after reading the required text I noticed that the first step to change is resistance and you need to accept that before you move forward. I believe that change is a necessary thing but it is a process that doesn't happen over night. It could take days, weeks, months or even years. Especially with education, things are happening so quickly that you need to almost embrace change because that change isn't going to wait around for you!
Great post!
James
Tien,
ReplyDeleteYour honesty about being hesitant to change is welcoming and I appreciate your sincerity to admitting to something that many of us also struggle with. In my experience, some of us may appear to manage change with more ease although it is still a difficult process nonetheless. In my own life, I have been faced with several unexpected changes within the last year and none of them have been easy. One of the most inspirational has been my transition to the Master of Education program and learning from my peers such as yourself and our fellow bloggers!
I really enjoyed the "Rethink Learning: The 21st Century Learner" clip - thank you for sharing. Key elements from the video that made an impression on me: "learners as creators/producers", "putting technology away when it is not needed" and the "importance of reflection of using technology - above just being immersed in it". The perspectives shared within the clip are encouraging and as a parent I hope that my son is able to take advantage of this new pedagogy and story for education in the 21st century.
Marisa
Tien,
ReplyDeleteAnother great post! I appreciate your honesty and candour in explaining your own resistance to change, yet also identifying that you are becoming more open to the process, and optimistic about the potential outcomes.
Personally, I welcome opportunities for change. I feel like if it is my job to awaken, ignite or challenge the thoughts, minds and energies of learners, then I need to prepare myself to be shaken up once in awhile as well!
I've also realized that I am a much more complete person, and I have more to offer learners, due to the many changes/experiences that I have encountered over time. If not for these changes, I will become stagnant. I have been there before, and I have no plans of going back.
Add to that, I would much rather have my students experience and overcome change in their own lives, because I believe that they will be more successful as a result-mentally, emotionally and physically.
We have discussed the notion of resiliency in 5P42 as well. I believe that through changes, we can foster resiliency in our students-perhaps something that has been missing in many learners over the years. Maybe even in ourselves?
Thanks Tien. Great questions!
Very interesting blog and comments. Yes change is what matters here, Because even if we don't change the rest of the world is (especially digital natives whose very brains are being hard-wired differently as a result of using technology). It's normal to resist change as James pointed out. And teachers can be VERY resistant - some at least. But Fullan - researcher of change actually thinks that the upcoming change will be quick and relatively easy. A very surprising thing for him to say. I agree. I see the fabulous things teachers are doing and how kids engage in the learning - and that has to be easier than the "old" way where students were very bored (and the research continues to confirm that they are very bored - CEA, 2012). I guess as teachers we need to be resilient as Brett would point out!
ReplyDelete