Where Will We Be in 2020?

After reading the article Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age by George Siemens -- the reality of the unknown, unpredictable future really hit home. One phrase in particular got me thinking about my role as a consultant --"Learners as little as forty years ago would complete the required schooling and enter a career that would often last a lifetime. "

In the past, we often asked students what it is they wanted to 'become' when they grew up. Now, with many new opportunities and occupations springing up every day, the question morphs into . . . What do you plan on doing after grade twelve? We don't dwell so much on precise jobs but rather, encourage students to explore the wealth of opportunities open to them and build skills that can be transferred to any given situation. One of these skills, it seems, is to be technologically savvy. Knowing not only how to locate and access tools and information, but how to use them as well, and apply them to specific circumstances is becoming more relevant in today's world. Are we still spoon feeding potentially useless information to our students or are we teaching them how to investigate and learn for themselves?

It is estimated that people will encounter a minimum of five different, unrelated jobs over the course of their lifetime - does this not show the importance of developing transferable skills as opposed to job specific skills? Much of this skill development and learning takes place outside the formal educational system, through a variety of medium - "through communities of practice, personal networks, and through completion of work-related tasks." In my career education classes, I encourage students to research various occupations, conduct interviews, and finally job shadow. So much can be learned from the hands-on experience. When this is not possible, as is the case in many smaller towns, the web is the next best thing. Students can connect with others via the net. Through social networking via technology, students can vicariously 'live' the experience. They learn so much through interacting with others, both professionals who share their experiences, as well as fellow students who are seeking information.

I leave you with a quote from George . . .
"Our ability to learn what we need for tomorrow

is more important than what we know today."

Book Help

This would have to be my favorite video - it captures my thoughts to a "T"!

Phone A Friend

Can phone usage be successfully integrated in the classroom?

Donna D (a friend of mine) and I have constant disagreements when it comes to technology in the classroom. She is very open minded to the idea and is willing to give anything a try. Keep in mind, she has a deep interest in the area and is constantly learning new applications which she gladly shares with her colleagues. I, on the other hand, am a bit more reserved, skeptical and try to steer clear of the notion. After reading the article she gave me, Phone A Friend In Exams, I begin to question my role as a teacher. What is my purpose? Is it my job to fill the heads of eager learners with facts and information (that they may never use in life) or is it more important to provide them with the necessary tools to succeed in life? If our goal in education is to stimulate thought - critical thinking, and instill in our students a love of lifelong learning, is it not our responsibility to show them how to access information for when they need it? Is it classified as cheating when we have to look up information as opposed to knowing it off the top of our head? Maybe the 'phone a friend' idea isn't as crazy as it sounds. Watch out Donna - your phone may start ringing!

I Am Evolving!

I may not have existed in the era of the abacus . . . but I have been around for a long time . . . and during that time, I have witnessed many changes in technology and programming. (Note the word witnessed - because I didn't actually use a computer - I just had friends who did!) Since that time, I progressed from Atari to MacIntosh and finally to what I have sitting in front of me today - what I refer to as an incredibly expensive paperweight - an iMac! (I got it for Christmas in 2007 and have turned it on only three times - I am avoiding having to learn something new since I am somewhat used to my laptop - by the end of this class, I will muster the gumption to learn some of its unique capabilities!)

This reflection comes about because of Dr. Couros' talk about all the different types of applications available today to simplify our lives. Although leery about learning new programs, because they seem to become obsolete so quickly, I have come to realize that these tools are easily accessible, free, convenient and very user friendly. All it takes is the time to explore and play. Computers are so forgiving . . . when I experience difficulties, all I do is swear, slam the keyboard, force quit and walk away . . . I know my faithful companion will be right back to normal when I flip it on next time. (If only real life were like that!) With a little patience, it doesn't take much to learn new applications, and even if something newer and better comes along, they serve a purpose in the meantime and lead to a euphoric feeling of accomplishment. Seeing a finished product is the best motivator to continue learning. This blog is a prime example. Even after this class, I will continue to keep an up-to-date log on my life!

Learning To Change -- Changing To Learn

Are we ready to embrace the educational shift that is upon us?

This video really reinforces the notion that education is not static - it is in a constant state of change (and as some of us old-timers feel - in a state of chaos). The 'old ways' no longer suffice! As frightening or intimidating as the future seems to me, I feel we will be lost unless we at least make the attempt to try new things ourselves. Technology definitely has opened up a whole new world to learning!

I Need a Manual

I am completely puzzled and frustrated!

After visiting the doctor this week and discovering that I was inflicted with the oh so contagious strep throat, I decided to phone in sick and catch some shut eye on my comfy couch in front of Oprah. My substitute graciously agreed to pick up my lesson plan from my house in the morning and out of respect (and the threat of a lawsuit from slipping), I decided to give her some light and turned on the outside light - or not! See, my fiance is this techno geek who insists upon turning the house into something from the 22nd century (can you feel my hostility?). See, he has our lights somehow computerized - and is mighty proud of this feat I might add - but neglects to see my point of view - my helpless point of view! Not only am I unable to turn on the outside lights, but I am also unable to turn up the heat, activate the door bell, deactivate the cameras (that catch me no matter where I hide in the yard and picks up the pizza boy a block away) or water the lawn! I feel completely useless in my own home! I try to understand how to work these functions, but being that everything is automated, do I really need to know? Don't get me wrong - it is incredibly cool what this house can do - if you know how to use it! Is it sad when a house - an inanimate object - is smarter than me? (Don't answer this - it is a rhetorical queston!).

Too Personal

Where do we draw the line when it comes to privacy?

After constant hounding by my friends, I was finally cajoled into joining the 'facebook' family. Don't get me wrong - I am just as snoopy as the next guy and I enjoy delving into the photos and private lives of my friends (it kind of allows me to live vicariously through them since my life is a bit hectic right now and there is very little time for fun). Facebook offers an amazing service! It allows you to hunt down anyone from your past - or hopeful future - and find out personal details. This is where my concerns lie. Some people reveal way too much about themselves and don't realize that this information, although one day erased on the site, lives forever in the cyber world. We encourage our students to become part of the 'social networking' family, but many do not realize the implications of their actions (inappropriate photos, private information, etc.) and are oblivious to the ramifications of their postings. How do we make kids aware of the consequences that may ensue? How do we get them to understand that the information they post is not really 'private'?

The same concerns come in with my personal experiences with facebook or twittering - once again, I am asked why I don't keep my profile or whereabouts up to date. My response is simple . . . why do I want people to know what I am doing every second of the day? Is this an issue I should be worried about?