CHAPTER 1 Arc-of-Life Learning
Quote: “In the new culture we describe, learning thus becomes a lifelong interest that is renewed and redefined on a continual basis.” This quote is part of the opening chapter’s conclusion. The chapter provides several examples of how people of all ages are learning in the twenty-first century. Their learning is a result of their passion, collaboration and communication within their family and with the outside world, creating learning networks. Question: Why hasn’t this model of learning moved into the classroom?
Connection: Every year I have a hand full of students who are part of this mystery. The mystery I’ve identified in these students is that they are intelligent and are able to comprehend what is required of them to succeed in class/school (not necessary in the world); however, they choose not to comply with the requirements and risk or fail the class. I have had, and continue to have, conversations with these students and with colleagues. And to this day, I haven’t come across a solution. I am going to continue to seek a solution.
Epiphany/Aha: The term “new culture” sparked my aha moment. I need to rethink, reconsider how I do things in the classroom and rethink my purpose. I want my students to become successful in and out of school and the only way for them to do this is to be a lifelong learner. For me personally, I need to think of this as a completely new concept. It isn’t helpful for me to think how I can change what I’m already doing. I need to stop, start from scratch and begin a “new” plan for guiding my students toward the continual process of learning.
CHAPTER 2 A Tale of Two Cultures
Quote: “We believe, however, that learning should be viewed in terms of an environment--combined with the rich resources provided by the digital information network--where the context in which learning happens, the boundaries that define it, and the students, teachers, and information within it all coexist and shape each other in a mutually reinforcing way.” In this chapter, Thomas and Brown describe the traditional twentieth century assumptions on school environments and the new culture of learning. This quote paints a clear picture of a learning environment in the twenty-first century.
Question: How is this type of environment created in a school or classroom?
Connection: I connect this quote to my district’s current attempts to integrate technology in the classroom. This past year, four mobile labs with chromebooks were purchased, one for each of the core content departments. They were placed in the Department Chair’s classroom and any teacher interested in checking it out, had to attend a one hour training. Many teachers did attend the training; however, the use was minimal. This perspective can help us understand what the environment consists of, so that we can provide teachers with training and support with these efforts in creating this new learning environment.
Epiphany/Aha: My epiphany came from the word “coexist.” Exist and work together as one. I’ve considered these elements, but not necessarily in terms of them coexisting. Thinking about this new learning environment is causing me to rethink the twenty-first century classroom. It is much more than just bringing in devices into the classroom. There needs to be a well-thought out plan that includes “resources provided by the digital information network” with defined boundaries, so that everything and everyone work as one.
CHAPTER 3 Embracing Change
Quote: “If the twentieth century was about creating a sense of stability to buttress against change and then trying to adapt to it, then the twenty-first century is about embracing change, not fight it.” This quote opens up the chapter section titled, “Learning to Embrace Change.” It continues to discuss how the process of learning is determined by the structure of society and how there has been a drastic change in learning from the twentieth century to today.
Question: As an instructional Coach, how can I communicate this message and lead staff towards “embracing change?”
Connection: Similar to many other districts in our state, our district is undergoing many, many changes. These past couple of years, have opened my eyes to the power of change. I made a connection to this quote, because change is a significant obstacle for many teachers and staff, especially considering the Common Core State Standards and technology. Too many teachers are vocal about their refusal to change and fight it, some share their frustration and limited knowledge and a few have embraced it. This has negatively impacted the culture.
Epiphany/Aha: The contrast created in this quote brought upon my epiphany. This is so true. I never considered how our learning style and process is a reflection of society. Looking at this from this perspective provides me with some clarity and new learning. It also helps to to understand my colleagues’ refusal to change and their frustration. We cannot ignore this fact and the fact that these changes are far greater for us than for our students.
Quote: “In the new culture we describe, learning thus becomes a lifelong interest that is renewed and redefined on a continual basis.” This quote is part of the opening chapter’s conclusion. The chapter provides several examples of how people of all ages are learning in the twenty-first century. Their learning is a result of their passion, collaboration and communication within their family and with the outside world, creating learning networks. Question: Why hasn’t this model of learning moved into the classroom?
Connection: Every year I have a hand full of students who are part of this mystery. The mystery I’ve identified in these students is that they are intelligent and are able to comprehend what is required of them to succeed in class/school (not necessary in the world); however, they choose not to comply with the requirements and risk or fail the class. I have had, and continue to have, conversations with these students and with colleagues. And to this day, I haven’t come across a solution. I am going to continue to seek a solution.
Epiphany/Aha: The term “new culture” sparked my aha moment. I need to rethink, reconsider how I do things in the classroom and rethink my purpose. I want my students to become successful in and out of school and the only way for them to do this is to be a lifelong learner. For me personally, I need to think of this as a completely new concept. It isn’t helpful for me to think how I can change what I’m already doing. I need to stop, start from scratch and begin a “new” plan for guiding my students toward the continual process of learning.
CHAPTER 2 A Tale of Two Cultures
Quote: “We believe, however, that learning should be viewed in terms of an environment--combined with the rich resources provided by the digital information network--where the context in which learning happens, the boundaries that define it, and the students, teachers, and information within it all coexist and shape each other in a mutually reinforcing way.” In this chapter, Thomas and Brown describe the traditional twentieth century assumptions on school environments and the new culture of learning. This quote paints a clear picture of a learning environment in the twenty-first century.
Question: How is this type of environment created in a school or classroom?
Connection: I connect this quote to my district’s current attempts to integrate technology in the classroom. This past year, four mobile labs with chromebooks were purchased, one for each of the core content departments. They were placed in the Department Chair’s classroom and any teacher interested in checking it out, had to attend a one hour training. Many teachers did attend the training; however, the use was minimal. This perspective can help us understand what the environment consists of, so that we can provide teachers with training and support with these efforts in creating this new learning environment.
Epiphany/Aha: My epiphany came from the word “coexist.” Exist and work together as one. I’ve considered these elements, but not necessarily in terms of them coexisting. Thinking about this new learning environment is causing me to rethink the twenty-first century classroom. It is much more than just bringing in devices into the classroom. There needs to be a well-thought out plan that includes “resources provided by the digital information network” with defined boundaries, so that everything and everyone work as one.
CHAPTER 3 Embracing Change
Quote: “If the twentieth century was about creating a sense of stability to buttress against change and then trying to adapt to it, then the twenty-first century is about embracing change, not fight it.” This quote opens up the chapter section titled, “Learning to Embrace Change.” It continues to discuss how the process of learning is determined by the structure of society and how there has been a drastic change in learning from the twentieth century to today.
Question: As an instructional Coach, how can I communicate this message and lead staff towards “embracing change?”
Connection: Similar to many other districts in our state, our district is undergoing many, many changes. These past couple of years, have opened my eyes to the power of change. I made a connection to this quote, because change is a significant obstacle for many teachers and staff, especially considering the Common Core State Standards and technology. Too many teachers are vocal about their refusal to change and fight it, some share their frustration and limited knowledge and a few have embraced it. This has negatively impacted the culture.
Epiphany/Aha: The contrast created in this quote brought upon my epiphany. This is so true. I never considered how our learning style and process is a reflection of society. Looking at this from this perspective provides me with some clarity and new learning. It also helps to to understand my colleagues’ refusal to change and their frustration. We cannot ignore this fact and the fact that these changes are far greater for us than for our students.