Social Networking

A video that hones in on the importance of social networking is the video, Alan Levine- New Media Consortium. This lead me to think more about how I can connect my students to learners outside of Southwest Arizona. A social networking group that will definitely be useful to me is the Classroom 2.0 group. The focus at my school this year is using Web 2.0 tools. I noticed right away a link to the Global Education Collaborative, which is holding a conference Nov. 14-18,2011. I watched two great sessions last year, so I hope to attend this great event next year. I hope to use this as part of my personal learning network, as both a place to ask questions and find ideas to keep my classroom innovative.

In today's society, teachers are constantly under judgement. Each week, numerous editorials and articles are published from the NY Times, to USA Today, to the LA times.

George Siemens has a much different theory of learning that I have read before- the theory of Connectivism. After consulting his article, entitled:Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age, I came up with my own theory of a teacher of today. I believe that teachers of today are coaches in numerous ways.

Each coach needs to know the strengths and weaknesses of each individual player. In addition, a coach needs to know how to help the team work together to be successful. My personal philosophy of Education is that we as teachers need to meet the students where they are, and focus on them as individuals to help them achieve in the classroom. At one point in the article, Siemens states that, "Currency (accurate, up-to-date knowledge) is the intent of all connectivist learning activities" This stresses the need for flexibility and response to trends in the classroom. A coach needs to be responsive to the other team in order to try to stay on top during a game, and train players to be successful in various situations. I believe that in order to prepare our students for the twenty first century, the students need to be able to be flexible, and cooperate with others.

A video featuring Siemens, called The Network Is Learning , has Siemens stating "That network I create is what enables to me continue to stay current." A network is not something that you can instantly create. Establishing a network takes tools, in this case--web 2.0 tools, and an understanding of how to use those tools to the best interests and practices of your field at the forefront of your mind. A good coach knows that the game is continually changing and evolving, as new players show up on rosters and change the dynamics of individual plays, and team chemistry as well. As our students enter the world beyond public education, they need to be prepared for what awaits them. By modeling and teaching tools for web-based networking, and coaching htem on the practical applications

On a side note, one quote that resonated from the video was that, " If I'm not continuing learning, I am becoming obsolete in my particular field." This has been particularly relevant in my professional life over the past few weeks, and has me currently searching for webinars and online conferences to find fresh, new ideas!

Changing Education Paradigms

I am wholeheartedly thrilled that I decided to watch RSA's Animate video on Changing Educational Paradigms.

The status quo in America right now, in my experience, is to "blame the teacher". I recently read an article in the LA times that discussed this, and I completely agree. The article is called "What Teachers Really Want to Tell Parents"

The idea that problems with reading is the Elementary school or English teacher's fault is just like saying that childhood obesity is the Phys. Ed teacher's fault. But-- stop right there-- what was that? They can't control diet and exercise? Well, I can't control the diet (reading of books) or exercise (reading several times a week for pleasure) of English, either. I agree that the problem is we are trying to meet the future by using the past. For example, the whole educational system was ultimately conceived at a different time. As our world evolves, our education needs to evolve. These things are, as with most pieces of the puzzle, easier said than done.

I really agree with the idea that powerful learning happens in groups. One of the key skills for 21st century students is collaboration. How(and when) are they supposed to learn to effectively collaborate if not at school? I am a big fan of literature circles, where students read an article (or entire book) as individuals and then discuss the book in specific roles-- such as quote finder, connector (making connections), word wizard (vocabulary), discussion director (leader) and beyond. This allows each to "expert" in one area, which a common bond or article that holds the discussion together like glue.

There is much to think about as our information society changes minute by minute. Who knows what tools will pup into our world next week, next month, next year? I hope to stat flexible and ready to use whatever can benefit my students in a meaningful way.