CCSS: They use technology and digital media
strategically and capably.
Unless students and educators are exposed to digital tools,
how will they make decisions about the strategic use of these tools? Play in a sandbox.
Play in a sandbox?
Teachers are smart; that’s why they are teachers. They are
also busy. Part of your PD strategy needs to include building a sandbox.
At what point did we decide that every moment of
professional development must include an expert standing in front of the room
talking? Who decided that we must focus on one tool? Suppose your PD is
focusing on collaboration as a skill, invite your teachers to a day of play.
Take 5 minutes to introduce a collaboration tool. Then take another 5 minutes
to introduce a second one. After you’ve introduced a few, give them the chance
to play. Require them to collaborate with each other to share how they could
use this tool professionally, personally, and with their students. Then, give
them the time to do it. Build an online collaborative workspace where they will
share their work with the other teachers at the conclusion of the day.
Pennsylvania is filled with wikis. Teachers have been using
wikis for at least 6 years now. When CFF Coaches introduced the wiki concept to
students, most of the kids had never used a wiki. The same is true for Google
Docs. The ins and outs of these tools come naturally to our students, once they
are exposed to them. Then, once exposed, they need to be given the freedom to
choose the right tool for the job. If they are expert in using one movie making
tool, then why are we forcing them to use another? The tool doesn’t matter.
It’s what students do with it that matters.
If a student knows how to use a tool more effectively and efficiently
than you or another student, take advantage of that knowledge. Encourage them
to share. There is so much out there; none of us can be expected to be experts
in everything. It’s about using the right tool at the right time to effectively
and creatively communicate your message or to critically analyze the problem to
be solved.
It's about being strategic and capable.
Hi Virginia!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to catching up on your postings.
Very thought-provoking message. The days of the EXPERT are gone. There are toooo many opportunities- and those opportunities evolve too quickly- for any one person to keep up.
Bring on the days of the self-directed learner. Teachers AND Students We expect it of our students. We should expect it of our educators. Of ourselves.