An Educator's Manifesto! Arise! You have nothing to lose but your chains! - Classroom 2.02024-03-29T14:27:38Zhttps://www.classroom20.com/forum/topics/649749:Topic:56987?commentId=649749%3AComment%3A57246&feed=yes&xn_auth=noGreat discussion, I am in awe…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-17:649749:Comment:600452007-10-17T12:38:09.268ZFrances DiDavidehttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/didavidef
Great discussion, I am in awe of the web now, I am enjoying the evolution of what is really a fairly new phenomena! Where it will go and what it will end up being is anyone's guess but I am so anxious to see it. I have been laughed at but I liken this to the prining press. Control of information is control of minds and thoughts. The internet and Web2.0 is such a threatening concept for so many. The loss of control over our "isms" is mind boggling as it must have been to the leaders of society…
Great discussion, I am in awe of the web now, I am enjoying the evolution of what is really a fairly new phenomena! Where it will go and what it will end up being is anyone's guess but I am so anxious to see it. I have been laughed at but I liken this to the prining press. Control of information is control of minds and thoughts. The internet and Web2.0 is such a threatening concept for so many. The loss of control over our "isms" is mind boggling as it must have been to the leaders of society at the time the printing press was developed. I may not be saying this right but I am excited also. I do agree that we need to move slowly, first because so much of this will disappear and so much of it well change substantially, but we do need to move. And we will. Hi Fred,
I'm thinking about t…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-17:649749:Comment:600012007-10-17T12:03:32.762ZConnie Weberhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/connieweber
Hi Fred,<br />
I'm thinking about this comment you wrote:<br />
"No matter how the tools change, it is the forging new connections and ways to use the tools that is the real value. That kind of creativity never goes out of style. That kind of creativity adapts to whatever new tools appear. That kind of creativity is what I hope to foster in my students."<br />
<br />
This might make a good post all by itself: how do we encourage the creative state of mind, the overall mindset of openness to learning new tools? I guess…
Hi Fred,<br />
I'm thinking about this comment you wrote:<br />
"No matter how the tools change, it is the forging new connections and ways to use the tools that is the real value. That kind of creativity never goes out of style. That kind of creativity adapts to whatever new tools appear. That kind of creativity is what I hope to foster in my students."<br />
<br />
This might make a good post all by itself: how do we encourage the creative state of mind, the overall mindset of openness to learning new tools? I guess that's what this network is all about. But sometimes we forget that it's not just about gathering new or more information; it's about cultivating an approach to learning. Thanks for pointing this out!<br />
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It'd be great to share teaching methods that cultivate the creative mindset, the creative approach to web 2.0--beyond any specific applications. What are the ingredients in the recipe for this sort of learning? Right on Wade! I love what yo…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-17:649749:Comment:599752007-10-17T11:46:10.442ZFred Haashttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/haasenglish
Right on Wade! I love what you mention about the built in obsolescence of the tools themselves. The tools are always changing, but we change with them and learning the new tools actually does open our minds to possibilities still unseen.<br />
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Prior to teaching, one of the many jobs I had was a as a tech consultant, working 90% of the time in schools, rolling out new tools and training administrators and teachers alike. I often told them, “I can teach you the basics of how to use the tools in a…
Right on Wade! I love what you mention about the built in obsolescence of the tools themselves. The tools are always changing, but we change with them and learning the new tools actually does open our minds to possibilities still unseen.<br />
<br />
Prior to teaching, one of the many jobs I had was a as a tech consultant, working 90% of the time in schools, rolling out new tools and training administrators and teachers alike. I often told them, “I can teach you the basics of how to use the tools in a short amount of time to do what they were intended to do, but the real trick is when you discover how the tools can be used to solve problems where you hadn’t initially thought the tools would be useful. That’s comes from making interesting connections. That’s creative problem solving!” The funny thing is that I use to think if I could facilitate that kind of thinking I would not have been doing that job because I would have made a mint. Instead, I am having some success doing it now as a teacher. The mint still awaits.<br />
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No matter how the tools change, it is the forging new connections and ways to use the tools that is the real value. That kind of creativity never goes out of style. That kind of creativity adapts to whatever new tools appear. That kind of creativity is what I hope to foster in my students. I love the audacity of throwi…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-17:649749:Comment:595042007-10-17T01:25:35.780ZFred Haashttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/haasenglish
I love the audacity of throwing down the manifesto on these pages! It is definitely inspiring. I have to admit I think I never really thought I had much of a chance of convincing game. While I haven't run into quite the same kind of resistance you seem to have experienced, I have to admit when I start talking about tech tools and the like, most of my colleagues haven't a clue about what I am raving. So, I just try to keep on keeping on, and to borrow some of your chosen words, attempting to…
I love the audacity of throwing down the manifesto on these pages! It is definitely inspiring. I have to admit I think I never really thought I had much of a chance of convincing game. While I haven't run into quite the same kind of resistance you seem to have experienced, I have to admit when I start talking about tech tools and the like, most of my colleagues haven't a clue about what I am raving. So, I just try to keep on keeping on, and to borrow some of your chosen words, attempting to inspire the kids to want to be excited about learning something, hopefully produce some insanely great work, and ultimately change the way that they see the world! Lofty goals to be sure, but as Daniel Burnham once said, "Make no small plans, for they do not have the stuff to stir men's blood." So, viva manifesto! Viva mystial! Brilliant post, Ian!
I am re…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-12:649749:Comment:579712007-10-12T22:37:51.433ZRalph Chaudhuryhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/friendsbeyondborders
Brilliant post, Ian!<br />
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I am reminded that Alan Watts once said "Philosophy has its fashions, just as clothing does, though philosophers are loath to admit it." The same is true of education. People like to think that they are summations of the best that has gone before, but usually if you question them you find they have hitched their wagon to one theory or another, and they tend to view everything through that lens.<br />
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I really like your last line: "Let the fabulous be fabulous in their fashion".…
Brilliant post, Ian!<br />
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I am reminded that Alan Watts once said "Philosophy has its fashions, just as clothing does, though philosophers are loath to admit it." The same is true of education. People like to think that they are summations of the best that has gone before, but usually if you question them you find they have hitched their wagon to one theory or another, and they tend to view everything through that lens.<br />
<br />
I really like your last line: "Let the fabulous be fabulous in their fashion". That ought to be a translation of a proverb by Juvenal or Martial or someone like that.<br />
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Thank you, Connie, for telling me about that totallywired site. I'm going to check it out today.<br />
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I really enjoy this thread. Please, everyone, tell all your friends to read this forum and join in!<br />
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Ralph So true, Linda.
The read/writ…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-12:649749:Comment:579672007-10-12T22:21:18.014ZIan Carmichaelhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/icarmichael
So true, Linda.<br />
The read/write web is one way (well one culture), not the only way in education. In a post-modern age (whatever that really is, and I guess it is whatever, really) welcomes, allows, celebrates diversity. Our educational visions are so one-dimensional, and what's in for this decade pushes everything out from the previous decade. One decade we constructivists and Dewey and Bruner etc are the heroes... Then we're the (I don't have a word here) blockists with everything linear,…
So true, Linda.<br />
The read/write web is one way (well one culture), not the only way in education. In a post-modern age (whatever that really is, and I guess it is whatever, really) welcomes, allows, celebrates diversity. Our educational visions are so one-dimensional, and what's in for this decade pushes everything out from the previous decade. One decade we constructivists and Dewey and Bruner etc are the heroes... Then we're the (I don't have a word here) blockists with everything linear, sequential and lockstep with Gagne and Skiinner and programmed learning asthe heroes. Then we're the technofaddies and the VCR will revolutionise the classroom... I'm not sure how many cycles I've been through in all this. There are fabulous 'horse and buggy' teachers inspiring students still, there are fabulous 'Chevy' teachers doing the same, right on (can I say there may even be fabulous 'Edsel' teachers) through read/write web and whatever other vehicles you care to describe. (There are also rubbish exponents of each - to be blunt - and if they change vehicles, they're in all likelihood still rubbish exponents) Let the fabulous be fabulous in their fashion. Hi Linda,
Don't worry; no on…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-12:649749:Comment:579652007-10-12T22:20:15.465ZBobStimsonhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/BobStimson
Hi Linda,<br />
<br />
Don't worry; no one's going to hate you! (at least not me)<br />
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You are right to point out that we need to move slowly. I know that I myself tend to get a little bit more strident in my 'ranting and raving' than I really feel, because sometimes it's the only way to get attention in a big bureaucracy.<br />
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There's another point that underlies the discussion of Web 2.0 vs. older ways. It's the fact that teachers will generally ALWAYS be a little more enthused about modern tech, just because…
Hi Linda,<br />
<br />
Don't worry; no one's going to hate you! (at least not me)<br />
<br />
You are right to point out that we need to move slowly. I know that I myself tend to get a little bit more strident in my 'ranting and raving' than I really feel, because sometimes it's the only way to get attention in a big bureaucracy.<br />
<br />
There's another point that underlies the discussion of Web 2.0 vs. older ways. It's the fact that teachers will generally ALWAYS be a little more enthused about modern tech, just because they are A.) forced to deal with new educational situations all the time, with new kids and new mindsets; and B.) since teachers are influenced by their students, if the kids live in a newer, modern world it's going to rub off. Both these factors don't apply to administrators. The managers in my district think about things on a yearly basis, like how can we meet our budget this year? How many pencils do we need to buy for this school year? They ended up in those jobs because they LIKE things like accounting, managing, scheduling, and planning. I prefer inspiring young minds, but I have to remind myself that this does NOT mean that I am in any way better than the administrators. They are necessary too. And because of the requirements of their jobs, which don't change much from year to year, they are naturally less disposed to get all excited about Moodle or Sketchcaster.<br />
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We also have to remember that there will be a shakedown period with all the new technologies. Many of the hot new programs that you read about on this site will be gone soon, or incorporated into something else, or bought by another company. That's another reason we would be well advised to move with a little deliberation.<br />
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Bob I am about to take the risk t…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-12:649749:Comment:579572007-10-12T22:00:34.471ZLindahttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/llakshmi
I am about to take the risk that you will all hate me, but I have to say something in defense of those folks (and I try to not always be one of them and feel that I am open and supportive of technology) who are saying, "Wait a minute here. I am not ready for all of this." Folks who are looking from the angle of 99% of the people who use Web 2.0 are converts and they are thrilled and excited and daily see more and more things that can be done with technology. Groovy, as we said in the pre-heavy…
I am about to take the risk that you will all hate me, but I have to say something in defense of those folks (and I try to not always be one of them and feel that I am open and supportive of technology) who are saying, "Wait a minute here. I am not ready for all of this." Folks who are looking from the angle of 99% of the people who use Web 2.0 are converts and they are thrilled and excited and daily see more and more things that can be done with technology. Groovy, as we said in the pre-heavy tech 60s. You are all right that there are wonderful and marvelous things that can be, will continue to be, should be done with the technology at our fingertips. You are all right that we need to be showing kids as many wonderous things in this realm as possible.<br />
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But to some folks you are so excited that they can not keep up or understand what there is to see. You offer examples that look glitzy but to the non-believer (because for some folks this seems to be like a religion or maybe two religions--technotheocracy and the anti-technos) it looks like glitz and things that could have been done and have been done for generations without a computer are still needing to be done and taught. They worry that if they get swept up in the techno-craze that those basics, those things they hold dear and believe in will be lost. I saw a great cartoon the other day, one man was saying to the other as they looked at a computer screen, "I will say that the computer has made it lot easier to do those things I never had to do before there were computers." I think that is what a lot of your naysayers feel.<br />
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So, my suggestion is that you relax a little. Let the "good news" spread slowly and naturally with little or no ranting and raving on your part. Rant and rave on your blog and then gently show folks what is making you so excited. The old fogies need to get excited as much as the students do. The kids will motivate the older generation just as they did in a pre-computer world. The younger generation doesn't want the oldsters to know everything they are doing and thinking and learning. Let them have that fun, too.<br />
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And don't become so excited about the technology that is thrilling you that you forget to listen the good advice and wisdom of those folks who are not completely embracing computers and blogs and i-movies and all the rest. I firmly believe that there are still many way to teach without any electrical connections for miles around. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. We can learn to live and work together--if we all take a moment to look at things from the other side. Ralph,
Have you looked at thi…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-12:649749:Comment:578872007-10-12T19:13:48.223ZConnie Weberhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/connieweber
Ralph,<br />
Have you looked at this book and site, about teens' use of the internet? You are asking very good questions. We could actually ask the questions at the site.<br />
"Published by Anastasia Goodstein, Totally Wired (the blog) is a resource for parents, aunts, uncles, teachers, librarians youth workers or any adult trying to decode what teens are doing online and with technology."<br />
<a href="http://www.totallywiredbook.com/">http://www.totallywiredbook.com/</a>
Ralph,<br />
Have you looked at this book and site, about teens' use of the internet? You are asking very good questions. We could actually ask the questions at the site.<br />
"Published by Anastasia Goodstein, Totally Wired (the blog) is a resource for parents, aunts, uncles, teachers, librarians youth workers or any adult trying to decode what teens are doing online and with technology."<br />
<a href="http://www.totallywiredbook.com/">http://www.totallywiredbook.com/</a> Sarah,
You are bringing up su…tag:www.classroom20.com,2007-10-12:649749:Comment:578852007-10-12T19:06:40.345ZConnie Weberhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/connieweber
Sarah,<br />
You are bringing up such an important point, and you've illustrated it with such uplifting examples... thank you so much.
Sarah,<br />
You are bringing up such an important point, and you've illustrated it with such uplifting examples... thank you so much.