Keyword: Integration

                As I continue to study educational technologies that can be used to enhance and strengthen learning, it is quite easy to get lost in the ideal classroom. Envisioning easy access to SMART boards, projectors, clickers, and LiveScribe pens provides great insight into all the possibilities of education, but it does not necessarily reflect the reality of education. Getting lost in the joys of technology, I simply flashback to using an overhead projector from 1971 in my last placement! The noise from this “technology” was enough to deter anyone from listening. So in many cases, classrooms still look as they did when I was a student. As we move towards new technologies and innovative teaching strategies, there are still many that stand back and question its use in the classroom. Why is this? Why is there apprehension surrounding the use of technology and its effect on teaching and learning?

                I believe part of it has to do with the large disconnect that may exist between schools, even within the same board. Since the integration of technology relies heavily on funding, two neighbouring schools may look completely different inside. For example, “School Technology” may have been recently reconstructed, SMART Boards in every room, and a supply of technology tools available for teacher use. Teachers surrounded by these technologies quickly pick up on their uses and incorporate them creatively into lessons. Taking PD session they learn successful ways to assist students on IEPs, engage those that need an extra push with interactive activities, and overall make learning an exciting experience. Teachers have found ways to integrate technology into their lessons, strengthening their teaching, and positively affecting learning. On the other hand, “School Limited” represents almost every other school that has not directed their funding towards educational technologies. In many cases, these schools place their funding in other areas, a breakfast program, new textbooks, or physical education equipment, each just as important as technology integration. However, with the increase of educational technologies around the world, these tools still find their way into classrooms, but do so at a slower pace. With less of emphasis on technology integration, it can become quite easy to use these tools ineffectively. Becoming the glorified PowerPoint projector, educators fail to use these technologies up to their potential.

While the previous scenario was only one interpretation of the issue, I believe it makes up for part of the reality of why technology has failed to create change. With only a small percentage of teachers and schools using these tools effectively, many fail to see the benefits, including students. However, that is not to say that with the placement of technology in classrooms, teaching and learning will suddenly leap forward. Integration is the key word. Technology is simply a tool for learning, not the material itself. Effective lessons, planning, and innovative approaches coupled with appropriate technology use is crucial for a change in education. The tools that we have available at our hands have the power to alter teaching and learning, but there are so many variables at hand that it becomes a challenge all educators should constantly and consistently strive for.

I saw this video recently in one of my classes. Even though it is for education in New Brunswick it remains applicable to those of us in Southern Ontario. Just some things to think about as we strive to become 21st century educators!

Making A Trail

What makes a leader? How can one person make a difference? What are the qualities and traits of educational leaders in the 21^st century? What makes them unique? What makes ME unique?

These are just a few of the questions that have been rolling through my mind as of late, as I find myself constantly thinking of what the next five years hold. I am not sure if it is because of the courses I am involved in, or because my final months at Brock University are coming to a close, leading me to the inevitable path of hunting for teaching jobs that are currently not available. A big sigh for all the teacher candidates in Southern Ontario. However, in the process of thinking about the future, I stumbled upon leadership traits in my past.

Looking through my yearbooks last weekend, I could not help but laugh when I saw my parting words to my fellow Grade 8 peers. A quote by George Bernard Shaw summed up a leadership quality I still believe today. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” In no way does this mean that I see myself as a leader now, or even back then, I have simply realized the beginnings of what it takes to be an individual leader in a large community of different philosophies and beliefs. In order to stand out and take on that role, you need to create new boundaries, stepping into areas where others may have wanted to go, but have not found the courage. A leader is the individual who starts a new trend, setting the stage to create a collaborative environment of multiple people. A leader is not necessarily someone who “runs the show”, but someone who has the ability to lead a group of people in the right direction for changes. In regards to education, it could be taking on a new vision for the school community, implementing technologies to change instructional approaches inside and outside of the school, or even creating a base of communication with other communities. How to get there? I’m still not too sure.

But I do know one thing, becoming a leader is not a switch that takes place over night. I’d like to think that empowering things like this happen like that, just as they do in the movies, but that is not a realistic thought. Knowing this, I think one of the most important qualities a leader can have is perseverance. Standing alone before the recognition of change I imagine would be quite daunting. However, accepting that responsibility, facing challenges and not giving up is what separates those from trying to make a difference from those that do make a difference. In this case, finding the means and goals of your intended leadership is the first step. 

21st Century Thoughts?

                Well I guess this is a hello again to the blogging world. I have had my first taste of what it takes to be a teacher. After four years of learning about teaching from a book, I was finally able to experience it! Even though it was a whirlwind (as noticed by my complete absence for two months), I met amazing teachers that taught me new things each day and a wonderful group of students that I will always remember. It challenged me each and every day, pushed me to do things I never thought I could do, and showed me that I can reach what I set out to accomplish. Getting the opportunity to be in the classroom, I am itching to get right back in there.

                This short, yet meaningful teaching experience also gave me the chance to envision my own classroom. Combined with 21^st century education discussions that have taken place in my teacher education classes, my mind is overflowing with all of the possibilities. Completing a placement in a school with minimal technology, I saw the large gap that exists between those schools that have technology and those that do not. Feeling the constraints of limited technology, my ideal classroom would of course have interactive technological devices available to my students. While this seems like a no-brainer for a 21^st century classroom, it’s hard to choose specifics when I know technology is constantly changing. Computers may be beneficial now, but they may be outdated in five years! Regardless of the type of technology, I recognize the uttermost importance of giving students innovative outlets to express their learning.

                My 21^st classroom would also encourage students to engage in critical-thinking and collaborative learning activities. I saw first-hand the benefits of students working in groups, and was amazed at what they could accomplish together through hands-on activities and critical questioning. In addition to collaboration, my 21^st century classroom would also include experiential learning. Providing students with the chance to learn through a hands-on “experience” they can relate to the content through personal connections. However, in order for these learning opportunities to be successful, an open-minded and accepting environment between students and teachers needs to be created.

Aside from the technological components and a positive accepting learning environment, a 21^st century educator has “ideal” expectations as well. Getting involved in team-teaching, community activities and staying current will only increase my success as a teacher in the classroom. There is a lot to look forward to as a 21^st century educator, and an even more exciting time to be a 21^st century learner. It’s great that I have the chance to expand my knowledge in both of these areas!

What does your ideal 21^st century classroom look like?