It would appear that there needs to be an overhaul of the current education system in order to meet the needs of the students moving through it. This is not to say that the current education system is completely inapt. However, it would appear that many of the tools associated with Web 2.0 would be ideal assets for a new learning environment. The idea of Personal Learning Environments (PLE) is intriguing on many levels. First, PLE’s allow students to navigate through a system at their own pace while answering questions that arise naturally. Wesch (2008) states that “Good questions are the driving force of critical and creative thinking and therefore one of the best indicators of significant learning.” By creating a learning environment where students learn through asking questions of interest, true learning would take place and, perhaps, fewer students would be left behind.
Virtual learning environments with course management systems would address the multiple intelligences and brain-based learning. Through virtual learning environments, all learning styles have the potential of being targeted. For instance, through the use of PowerPoint presentations, video, and audio assets, kinesthetic, visual, and auditory learner needs are addressed. A true virtual learning environment also addresses interpersonal and intrapersonal skills- both of which are important tools for the 21st century workplace.
Inasmuch as technology is an important component for new schools, technology in itself is not enough. Students, especially younger ones, need physical interactions in order to adequately develop interpersonal skills and for emotional and brain development. Human interaction is crucial for emotional health and should not be replaced by technology. Because humans are designed to be interdependent on others, emotional and cognitive growth suffer when children are cutoff from a variety of social interactions (10news.com, 2007). If I were to design the new school, I would include a computer-based platform that operates within the confines of a malleable classroom experience where students collaborate with each other, work independently, and garner direction and guidance from the teacher when necessary.
The key components for 21st century schools and ‘learning beyond the test’ are malleable environments that cater to the physical and emotional needs of students, technology usage (computers, internet, digital cameras, etc.), project-based learning, and access to online eLearning portals. In a 21st century classroom, teachers foster a love of learning for students by igniting students to understand their own significance and the importance of learning for the sake of obtaining knowledge versus learning to obtain a grade.
When I think about my own classroom, I wonder if I’m igniting a love for learning in my students. I think about how often I ‘threaten’ with grades and how I can become more consistent with helping students understand that obtaining knowledge is the most important aspect of their education. This is my goal… to become a teacher that inspires.
I connect strongly with the proposed ‘anti-teaching’ theory. Sometimes, I fear that I apply it too much. I am constantly trying to figure out ways to engage my students and find that my students are most engaged when they have to solve a problem. This knowledge leads me to step back and allow the students to work through the issues presented on their own. I employ project-based learning activities a lot, but am still trying to figure out the best way to incorporate technology to foster the personal learning environment.
Sadly, it wasn’t until my last year of college, after sitting down and having a heart-to-heart with one of my professors, that I realized that I actually could have been learning something the entire time I was in school! I can only imagine how much more informed, inspired, and equipped I would be today had I cared enough to pay attention to what I was being taught all along. I teach 5th grade now and everyday I try to instill in my students the importance of adding new information to their learning repertoire. At the same time, I continue to remember the importance of adding new information to mine.
References
Wesch, M. (2008). Anti-teaching: confronting the crisis of significance. Retrieved on October 4, 2009 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/6358393/AntiTeaching- Confronting-the-Crisis-of-Significance
10news.com. (2007). Psychiatrist: children need human interaction. Retrieved on October 4, 2009 from http://www.10news.com/education/2308234/detail.html
All images from Creative Commons at flickr.com
"When I think about my own classroom, I wonder if I’m igniting a love for learning in my students. I think about how often I ‘threaten’ with grades and how I can become more consistent with helping students understand that obtaining knowledge is the most important aspect of their education. This is my goal… to become a teacher that inspires." I love this:) Great job!
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