Change is necessary. It is an opportunity to showcase growth
Aaron Blain
Aristotle and his teacher Plato
Aristotle spoke on change nearly 2,500 years ago. Aristotle said, “Change in all things is sweet.” While Aristotle might be a bit confused as to what a netbook, I-Pad, or Prezi is, I’m sure he would be happy to see his quote ring true in today’s society. Change, especially in education, seems to be constant. Three years ago, I did not have the internet at my house; now I work on my online masters class from my I-phone. Three years ago students in my classroom took notes with pencil and paper - now they take notes and share them via Google docs. The school program in which I teach, Global Tech, shows just how rapidly change is happening in schools. The program places a strong emphasis on using technology to enhance the educational process. We have gone paperless and use the netbooks on a daily basis because we believe this is just one small example of how the world is changing and evolving. At this point in my career, I consider the way I teach and learn, highly infused with technology but this doesn't mean that longstanding educational practices be totally disbanded. The technology trend will undoubtedly continue over the next few years but an effective teacher finds merit in balance.
Despite the trend to increase the number of computers and other technology in the class, it is has not been met with resistance. I have experienced this first hand as a teacher in a technology based learning community. Indeed, some of the concerns of the shareholders are valid. An I-Pad will not guarantee improved standardized test scores. Technology can be misused, abused, and can be a extremely distracting to some students. Nonetheless, it is hard to deny its potential when balanced with content and sound pedagogy. A student can Skype their presentations to an expert around the globe. Higher order thinking can be showcased through programs like Prezi, Glogster, and Voice Thread. Balancing technology, teaching soft skills, content mastery, and pedagogy will be the sign of an effective teacher in the next few years. I hope to continue to have a balanced approach to lifelong learning, teaching, and collaboration with colleagues.
Since the classroom, coaching, and larger world are always changing and evolving, I believe that adaptability is a critical skill. The last three years have represented an immense amount of change in education and from a societal standpoint. I believe that it is critical to provide our students practice using wikis, blogs, and Skype so that they can be comfortable and confident when they explore. Paradigm shifts happens. It is critical to teach students skills how to function, think, ask questions, and explore new technology when such changes occur. The first part of building a student’s self-confidence with technology starts with a teachers understanding of technology. I thought myself to be tech savvy three years ago but as I found out - I was wrong. My competency with Wikis, Prezi, Google Lit Trips, and other Web 2.0 tools has improved drastically. These programs have allowed for some of the most innovative projects I have seen students create. Despite the ever advancing state of technology, I cannot get carried away with this moments success. I have to keep learning, sometimes failing, and experimenting with technology. Furthermore, I must keep reinforcing the critical soft skills that are just as important in a student’s future success. I hope to help students in this rewarding process of self-discovery.
I have watched many colleagues and students face changes over the past three years. I watched the state of Michigan slash education budgets. On a national level, I have seen the dawn of a new reform with the adoption of the Common Core State Standards. As a teacher and as learner, I have had to re-create my curriculum to accommodate for both. Change has not been easy but accommodation is necessary and needed. The changes will continue to happen throughout my teaching career but I hope to see the opportunity in change. While I might be ending my formal years of education that does not mean my education has ended. I indeed foresee even more future learning for myself via a second masters or through continuing education classes. Change provides the opportunity to translate learning experiences with the newest demands in education. Aristotle himself was a product of a wise teacher named Plato. I am sure that Plato enjoyed seeing his own pupils learn and make contributions to their society. While I might not be Aristotle or Plato, I love to learn, and I love to watch my students learn. I can think of no better blessing than seeing a student after high school and have them tell me about their success.
The global environment does not like to stand still. As a learner and an educator, I have to have a certain amount of adaptability and willingness to move with the times. At any stage, whether it was my early years of teaching, or someday in my later years, I hope that my students recognize my passion and excitement for education and learning as well as keeping things relevant. Change is a challenging concept to comprehend but it begins with my willingness to embrace new ideas and turn them into relevant ideas, concepts, and challenges for my students.
Despite the trend to increase the number of computers and other technology in the class, it is has not been met with resistance. I have experienced this first hand as a teacher in a technology based learning community. Indeed, some of the concerns of the shareholders are valid. An I-Pad will not guarantee improved standardized test scores. Technology can be misused, abused, and can be a extremely distracting to some students. Nonetheless, it is hard to deny its potential when balanced with content and sound pedagogy. A student can Skype their presentations to an expert around the globe. Higher order thinking can be showcased through programs like Prezi, Glogster, and Voice Thread. Balancing technology, teaching soft skills, content mastery, and pedagogy will be the sign of an effective teacher in the next few years. I hope to continue to have a balanced approach to lifelong learning, teaching, and collaboration with colleagues.
Since the classroom, coaching, and larger world are always changing and evolving, I believe that adaptability is a critical skill. The last three years have represented an immense amount of change in education and from a societal standpoint. I believe that it is critical to provide our students practice using wikis, blogs, and Skype so that they can be comfortable and confident when they explore. Paradigm shifts happens. It is critical to teach students skills how to function, think, ask questions, and explore new technology when such changes occur. The first part of building a student’s self-confidence with technology starts with a teachers understanding of technology. I thought myself to be tech savvy three years ago but as I found out - I was wrong. My competency with Wikis, Prezi, Google Lit Trips, and other Web 2.0 tools has improved drastically. These programs have allowed for some of the most innovative projects I have seen students create. Despite the ever advancing state of technology, I cannot get carried away with this moments success. I have to keep learning, sometimes failing, and experimenting with technology. Furthermore, I must keep reinforcing the critical soft skills that are just as important in a student’s future success. I hope to help students in this rewarding process of self-discovery.
I have watched many colleagues and students face changes over the past three years. I watched the state of Michigan slash education budgets. On a national level, I have seen the dawn of a new reform with the adoption of the Common Core State Standards. As a teacher and as learner, I have had to re-create my curriculum to accommodate for both. Change has not been easy but accommodation is necessary and needed. The changes will continue to happen throughout my teaching career but I hope to see the opportunity in change. While I might be ending my formal years of education that does not mean my education has ended. I indeed foresee even more future learning for myself via a second masters or through continuing education classes. Change provides the opportunity to translate learning experiences with the newest demands in education. Aristotle himself was a product of a wise teacher named Plato. I am sure that Plato enjoyed seeing his own pupils learn and make contributions to their society. While I might not be Aristotle or Plato, I love to learn, and I love to watch my students learn. I can think of no better blessing than seeing a student after high school and have them tell me about their success.
The global environment does not like to stand still. As a learner and an educator, I have to have a certain amount of adaptability and willingness to move with the times. At any stage, whether it was my early years of teaching, or someday in my later years, I hope that my students recognize my passion and excitement for education and learning as well as keeping things relevant. Change is a challenging concept to comprehend but it begins with my willingness to embrace new ideas and turn them into relevant ideas, concepts, and challenges for my students.