We are embarking on a new frontier when it comes to education. I don't believe we are there yet but the days of traditional education of the industrial years will soon be part of the past. Within the educational system one has to be constantly re-evaluating what we want students to know and be able to do. Is it the same as when I grew up? I don't think so!
We have all had to learn and relearn over the past decades. We learned to use typewriters and then evolved into computers and world processors. I fell into the web and its links (or should I say jumped) when my youngest son, a marine, was sent to Iraq as infantry living "outside the wire." I quickly discovered the world was not the same as when as when the country experienced World War II or the wars that followed. Before one would have to wait weeks before information was learned. Now it is instantaneous. It is a double edged sword, so as to speak... constant bombardment of media information and images versus "ignorant bliss". The Marines under gun fire rigged up the Internet on the roof of their outpost so they could stay connected with home. My son stayed connected with home almost every day by either the Internet (web cam, e-mail, My Space) and by satellite phone. I lived on the Internet 24-7; my husband said I was obsessed, I said it was a Mom's "need to know." I felt like I was experiencing a train wreck, you don't want to look, but you have to. I discovered many new sites, read every new story, found countless sources that helped me trace where my son was and what missions he was engaged in. I discovered My Space where links told me when he was on line. One of my greatest joys was an opportunity to see him with web cam while using AIM. I connected with people all over the country sharing information and support. What an educational ride!
My school system has embraces school 2.0 and I want to be part of it. With new ways of learning comes change and for many change is difficult and and is met with resistance. Several years ago the school system started to use Edline, posting grades and information on line so parents and students could access grades, and assignments any time. Teachers were resistant fearing the worst from parent backlash. As we have gotten better at using the system it has been of great benefit and a time saver. We have a new middle school, and all the rooms are equipped with in-focus machines and telephones. We are learning to teach in new ways. Students are required to maintain electronic portfolios contributing artifacts yearly. Many of my student show what they have learned by producing power points and videos. (I would like to post some of them, but in this process I am not there yet)
Where are we in this process? How long will it take before we are there? Those and many other questions need still to be answered. There are many hurtles that still need to be faced. Among those, we need more computers for student use, professional development for teachers to learn the new technology and how do we implement it. Educators in a time of unlimited knowledge need to decide what we want students to learn and how we want them to learn it. Then how do we assess it, by standardized tests? Should we be teaching skills to learn and relearn, critical thinking skills, and research techniques or content?
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I could never imagine the fear you must have lived through with your son away so far and the "unknown". It was wonderful you could keep in touch via the internet.
ReplyDeleteI know the Edline seems a little scary at first, but so does everything that is new, as far as I have learned. I remember when I first started at my job here, we all got an email account. There were teachers who were afraid - maybe not afraid - but adverse to using it! Now look where we are 4 years later. Blogs, Wikis, text messaging, AIM, social networking, etc.
I am not sure if we can see the end. It sounds like your school has a great start and you are lucky to be part of the Web2.0 revolution. Professional development is tricky. I was reading Kim Cofino's blog this week http://mscofino.edublogs.org/ and it talks a lot about teaching the "willing". First with professional development, work with the teachers that want to learn, then go back to try to work with the teachers who may be a little shy.
Lot's of great ideas and thoughts to ponder!
Don't you think all this change keeps us young? Change is powerful, nerve-wracking, exciting, scary, frustrating, exhilirating. It's like a rollercoaster ride. Sometimes you prefer the kiddy coasters while other times you're ready to jump on the up-side-down, spiralling, underwater coaster.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your reflections.
Hi, I can't agree with you more! When I first embark on one of these new challenges I think I must be crazy..but I love it. I love the challenge and the whole mix of feelings. Thanks for your comments
ReplyDeleteFirst off...I have the pleasure to work with Kim Cofino on a daily basis adding her blog (found in Kim's comment above) is worth it!
ReplyDeleteI love living on the edge of unknown. The same network you talk about that kept you close to your son is the same I rely on living overseas. I actually speak more with my mom and dad now then I did when we lived in the same States.
Living on the edge of this is great...because you are always pushing and it's always OK not to know the answer. I should count how many times I say "I don't know...but I'll find out" in a day. I don't know a lot, but people think I do because I know how to manage the network and find the stuff I need and others need as well. It's about feeling in control of the network and not allowing the network to control you. It's a tough battle but once you understand how it works...what a ride!