Being a teacher now is tougher than ever before. After reading about things like TPACK, the Framework for 21st Century Learning, and the Evolution of Thought and Practice, my mind is spinning. The truth is, producing a well rounded, educated, competent, considerate, successful person who is capable of “adulting” in the 21st Century is a huge responsibility. Teachers have their part cut out for them. It seems like there is no end in sight to the areas of competency that we need to attend to. That being said, the frameworks we were given to look at this week at least provide a starting point for wrapping my feeble mind around it. I’m sort of a visual/linear type of gal, so I really appreciate lists and venn diagrams to help me envision what the possibilities could be. Aside from reeling over the magnitude of all of this, I feel like I connected a little bit to one small first step that could lead to much more. On the scale of evolution of thought and practice (where teachers are rated according to their level of ability to integrate technology effectively), the final step is from “appropriation” to “innovation.” I want to get to “innovation” so that I can help teachers to make technology an “ever-present transparent” tool for students to construct knowledge and demonstrate it creatively.
In order to do this, I think we need the “thoughtfully playful attitude towards understanding the landscape being created by these new technologies” that Mishra talks about. Having the time, resources, and environment to play and explore (as we do each iCARE session) with technology is helping me grow my comfort level remarkably. Can we do the same for our school’s teachers and students? This is what I need to figure out. How can I make this happen at my little school site? I think about the stewardess on the airplane, telling me to make sure I take care of my own oxygen before trying to help others. But do I have to be an expert first in this situation? Or can I just be a model for others in the area of playfulness with technology? What are your thoughts?
10 Comments
Caitlin Mitchell
9/22/2018 11:33:31 am
Hi Jona!!! it was great to see you face to face last week! Yes, I feel like science is such a great vehicle for teaching reading, writing, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. I kind of sense that my essential question may be changing. haha. I knew that that would happen. I LOVE teaching science and I think that the reason I love teaching it is because it is just as fun for me to teach it as it is for them to learn it! Maybe by implementing more science and technology into the classroom I can close the achievement gap!!!
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Jona Sandau
9/22/2018 11:04:21 pm
Caitlin, I love that you are allowing yourself to follow your developing interest and change your essential question! I feel like Falk really prepares you for changing and evolving your ideas and it's awesome that we are given the flexibility to do that. I am watching and excited to see what's in store for you as you follow your passion!
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Catalina J Goldstein
9/22/2018 04:31:34 pm
There really is so much to juggle right now being a "21st Century" teacher. I keep trying to remind myself these tools are available so I can work smarter, not harder. However, much like you I find myself spiraling and getting off on tangents or getting overwhelmed.
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Jona Sandau
9/22/2018 11:07:37 pm
I like that, "smarter, not harder"! That is a great goal. I also want to give myself the time and opportunity to PLAY with technology--and my students, too! And I think that means it's okay to go off on tangents sometimes. Also, being overwhelmed is a given, right? Let's keep on keepin' on... Thanks, Catalina!
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9/22/2018 06:36:59 pm
I also want to reach the level of innovation, but right now, I'm one in the intry/adoption group. I have the same question. Do I have to be an expert? I feel that I should be an expert, especially when it comes to troubleshooting even simple things like navigating Storybird and Seesaw. I hate the frustration I feel when I can't get a kid up and running. I'm trying to be kinder and gentler to myself.
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Jona Sandau
9/22/2018 11:10:57 pm
Thank you, Tess, for the reminder to be kinder and gentler to ourselves. Technology can be a bear, especially when some things are not within your control. We have to remember that every time we use it, we are learning more and more. We are moving forward and constructing our own knowledge, too. Hang in there and be nice to yourself--you are doing amazing work!
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Jennifer Perkins
9/23/2018 04:36:42 pm
Hi there, Jona! I agree that developing 21st century skills in our students is a huge responsibility. I liked the quote you included from Mishra about having a thoughtfully playful attitude with technology. I agree that our iCARE Sessions allow us to try out new technology in a more comfortable and relaxed environment. I believe that allowing our students time to explore and “play” with the new technology programs before we begin administering assignments will prove to be beneficial. Great post Jona!
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Jona Sandau
9/23/2018 08:15:08 pm
Thank you, Jennifer! Yes--let them PLAY! And I love that we don't get graded on that portion because it encourages creativity! I wish I had actual students of my own to watch this play out. But it just came to me that it would be cool to have a staff meeting and let teachers play... Thanks for the great dialogue :-)
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JP
9/23/2018 06:57:03 pm
I am right there with you on being a visual learner. With the sheer variety of students we get, I am learning that we almost need to come up with 2 or 3 ways to explain the content and have students demonstrate. The tools we are learning definitely help with this.
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Jona Sandau
9/23/2018 08:16:43 pm
I agree-we need to cover all our bases and present things in different ways for our learners. AND we need to allow them to present their learning to us in different ways, too! I think we are on the right road....
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Jona SandauI'm a student in the Innovative Learning Master's Program at Touro University. I'm really excited to make a difference for my students! Archives
March 2019
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