December 10, 2008
The truth of the statement, “It’s not about the technology, it’s about the pedagogy”, has become clearer and clearer to me over the last 12 months.
After spending the last few days working on a presentation for a conference and trying to present my argument for a shift in our teaching approaches in a way which is (hopefully) not too confrontational I’ve really come to realise that it’s true.
At the end of the day does my classroom need technology in it to be innovative, to be 21st Century? In short the answer is no…despite my belief that technology used well can enhance a class’s learning environment, making it more flexible, more personalised, more open. At the end of the day though teaching (and more importantly, Learning) will not be stopped in a room without technology.
So, if technology’s not the key to kids learning, what is?
It’s us…the teachers.
It doesn’t matter if we’re a graduate, a veteran with 30 years experience, a part-timer, a specialist…whatever, if we’re doing our job we’re:
- Engaging students
- Providing them with a variety of independent and collaborative projects to enrich their learning experiences
- Facilitating their growth towards independent, life-long learning
- Supporting them
As a technology enthusiast I have caught myself occassionally thinking poorly of a colleague who doesn’t use technology in their classrooms. There’s a lot of misunderstanding between those of us converted to technology and those teachers who as of yet haven’t jumped on the bandwagon – and we really need to make sure that that misunderstanding doesn’t evolve into an us and them attitude.
Those of us who are already converts need to understand that everyone’s experience and engagement with technology is different and we can’t expect those people with fear/confusion/hesitation to take a giant leap forward and jump up next to us. Some people will take YEARS to see that what we’re achieving is valid, while others need to be shown once and then the next time we look around they’re way out in front of us.
For me, from now on, I’m going to stay very aware that it’s not about the technology, it’s about the pedagogy and instead of judging those not yet on the technology wagon I’m going to try understanding where they’re at in their journey.
I’ve got a feeling it’s likely to get more of a response than “You must integrate technology to be a 21st Century teacher.”
5 Comments | 
21st century teaching, 21stCentLearning, pedagogy, technology | 
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Posted by mobbsey
November 11, 2008
So, I’m sitting at Melbourne airport, having experienced a “blonde” moment after getting through security check…I picked up my laptop but left my bag…the security gaurd laughed at me when I had to slink back to get it. But right now I feel like I’m a little entitled to feel overwhelmed and brain fried. The last two days has challenged my thinking and given me far more questions than answers.
A couple of things that jump to mind right now:
- There is a need to move away from the known and traditional. We’re working in a world that is NOTHING like anything anyone has imagined before, but we’re still doing what’s always been done. Even those schools who stand up and say they’re doing things differently, I’m not convinced they really are. I’d love for someone to show me I’m wrong on that one.
- Education is at a very important cross roads and what we decide to do will resonate (as opposed to dictate) for a long time to come. We need to make sure we get it “right”.
- Leaders need to consider and define what it’s going to take to redefine pedagogy and what exactly we want our teachers to “look” like. On top of that how do we deal with the soon to hit “exodus” of baby boomers? How can we make teaching an appealing and sustaining profession? How do we move away from the top down leadership model we’ve been using for so long?
- Teachers need to
understand the generation they’re working with. Gen Y students are not Baby Boomers in waiting as
Michael McQueen points out, we’ve never really dealt with anything like them – how will we cope with that?
- How will we support those teachers who are getting it right? Is it just about the flash and show and the pat on the back of public recognition or is it more than that? What does it need to be?
- How will 1-to-1 change the face of education? How can we avoid the “ugly” as described by Bruce Dixon from the Anytime Anywhere Learning Federation – I’ve seen it in action, we’re not getting this right in any way right now…how can I change the way I work in this environment to model better practice??
No Comments » | 21stCentLearning, AALF, ACC, Bruce Dixon, Generation Y, Michael McQueen, Reflecting | Permalink
Posted by mobbsey
November 8, 2008
Tomorrow morning hubby is again ensuring I know how lucky I am by driving me to the airport to catch an early flight to Melbourne for the 21st Century Learning Conference.
My laptop bag is packed (power cable – check, webcam (just in case) – check, headset (just in case) – check, hard drive – check, back up USB – check, laptop – check…marking – sadly, check), my clothing bag is about to be packed (carry on only so I’m not too worried), my supervisions are ready to go and I’m emailing them as I type…those are the easy parts of being away for this amazing conference I’ve been drooling over for months.
Other things I’ve had to consider:
- triple check that I did indeed book a room with broadband access…sadly this is very important to me these days…since I’m not allowed to get a portable internet account
- ensure my utterli account is switched to Melbourne details so I can mobile blog as necessary
- set up a live blog at coveritlive…just in case…I want to give it a go but I’m worried…what if people think I’m being rude, or what if the venue doesn’t have net access (there are times when I’m too shy).
- charging ipod (essential!)
Ok, so I know my preparations are sufficient…why am I feeling like I’ve forgotten something?
2 Comments | 21stCentLearning, conference, coveritlive, live blogging, utterli | Permalink
Posted by mobbsey
