What Will Teaching in the Twenty First Century be Like? Blog Post # 2

In the Mr. Dancealot video, the instructor teaches his dance class without engaging his students. They simply sit there and take notes from a powerpoint. I believe the overall message of the film is to show educators that students cannot learn by lecturing and taking notes alone. We are human beings and we learn from our successes and mistakes. If a student is not allowed to practice what is being taught; then, how do we as educators expect them to learn? It is vital that all students be engaged by their instructors and encouraged to explore new skills and techniques for learning. Not everyone learns the same way. By allowing students to engage with not only the instructor, but other students as well, their is a higher chance of success within the classroom. I personally feel that the video presented us with an imperative message, that instead of pumping facts and stories into the brains of our students; lets let them LEARN.

Robert's video Teaching in the Twenty First Century, shows that we have officially entered a new era of teaching and learning. Technological devices such as tablets and smart phones are the key source of information for student in the twenty first century. A student can now look up information on WHATEVER, WHEREVER, WHENEVER. The role of the teacher has now shifted from a primary information source to a FILTER. I stress the filter because, as said earlier, the information is already there.
Roberts believes that as educators, we should now focus on teaching skills rather than information and facts alone. One example he used in the video was, "if you asked a student how to apply for a credit card, or how to fix a car, what would they say?" It is skills; rather than facts alone that we should focus on in the twenty first century. Also, according to Roberts, we should be teaching professionalism as well. We should show students how to create personal portfolios to show the student's work and progress for potential future opportunities whether it be applying for college or seeking employment. I feel Roberts has a great idea in mind, and it has opened my eyes to what teaching really means for the twenty first century. It has shown me that the ways of old are outdated and to be open to new approaches of teaching within the classroom. With all the technology surrounding us at all times, we as educators, should use these tools to our advantage.

When I fist read this assignment and saw the question "why does the networked student even need a teacher?", I thought the question to be absurd. However, once I actually watched the video, I must say my opinion shifted a little. The way the student in the video was given literally ANY topic to choose from and the way he was able to obtain sources, view/listen to lectures on his topic and connect with people world wide was astounding. However, although he has abundant resources; who will teach him what to do with all of his gathered information? That is where the teacher comes in. The teacher guides the student through the research process. She took time to teach the young man how to validate information, differentiate sources, and search the web for resources. She also showed support and excitement in her student's work. Educating a networked student is definitely a new style of teaching, but it only makes sense. The world has changed, and so has the way students learn. I believe as educators, we should all encourage networking, and be there to guide our students through their learning experience.

I believe Vicki Davis' thesis is that students need more than a text book and lectures to learn. Like I have stated before, students learn differently. By opening her class to new methods of learning, she has allowed those students who would have troubles in an ordinary classroom setting a chance to succeed. I love that she even allows her students to teach one another new things and take such a strong role in her classroom. I also found it interesting that she admitted to her students actually teaching HER new things and ideas. Overall, I think that her class is awesome in the fact that she allows her students to be viewed as equal and gives them the opportunity teach one another. I feel that since the information is sometimes coming from another class mate or friend rather than an authoritative figure; the learning process seems more fun and effective.

Well, I must say that the fact that these early elementary children only had the mac book airs for two days and had completed tasks which I had never heard of ASTONISHING! It was almost embarrassing. I am only in my second education class and I am excited about learning in EDM310 what these children have learned in elementary shcool. To answer the question at hand, "Who's ahead in the Learning Race?" I would have to say that, personally, I am extremely way behind in comparison to these 7-9 year olds. I cannot speak for everyone in our class, but I feel I can safely say the same for the most of us. This video along with the others, has shown me that the way I was taught my whole life is becoming history and that a new chapter of learning and teaching is underway.

I think that flipping the classroom is a great idea. This is a new way of teaching/learning I had never heard of until now. I feel like this would be a great way to allow students to come to you and address real problems and questions. By allowing the student to come to class with the information needed already fresh on their minds is a great way to save quality time with students. Last semester I did my sit in at Mary G. Montgomery High School. One day the teacher whom I was placed with told me that the one thing he could change was the one on one time with his students. If you spend the entire time lecturing or reading from a book, the students do not have a chance to ask questions or seek the essential help needed to learn a lesson or assignment. I feel that by utilizing the flipping the class technique, students will have a greater chance of actually grasping what is being taught to them.