K12 learning 2.0:  Tools for 21st Century Teaching & Learning

THING “Three” (Session Two)

POST 2: Thing 2 – Thoughts about Web 2.0 . . .

OK, I read the article “a day in the life of web 2.0″ by David Warlick.  Nice article, but, in reality which planet are we on.  Last I looked around, we are still on earth.  This is definitely an ideal scenario but I think it will be a long time before any of our schools will reach this level.

Having said this, I do believe that several of the tools mentioned in this article could be implemented and used in effective ways at present.  Most people know how to use MP3 players and could learn to incorporate the idea of podcasting selective lectures and activities.  The idea of teachers creating their own blog sites and having their links on the main school webpage or a location where it can be seen by everyone is very possible.  Some teachers already post homework instructions online for parents – it would be more efficient to organize all that they do into one place.

It seems that teachers are getting quite efficient in using their e-mail.  By adding 1 or 2 powerful Web 2.0 tools to their arsenals, such as a blog site or podcast, the level of communication between teachers, students, administrators, parents and the community would definitely rise to the next level and have major impact on learning.

I understand that not everyone has access to a computer or even to the internet.  Printed newsletters still are sent in traditional ways.  By publishing them in a timely manner online enables not only the parents to view them but other schools, the central school system office and the community as well.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know how your principal feels about things at your school and this is reflected in his weekly “blog” posts!

Kids today are digital learners.  They are constantly texting each other, updating their social network sites and playing xbox and wii.  We, older folk, are digital immigrants.  Sad to say, some of us are literally being dragged into the digital world and forced to learn a new language.  Fortunately, many are coming willingly.  Give yourself a pat on the back!  The tools that Web 2.0 offer can help bring you down avenues of learning that you never thought possible.  Embrace them and be excited about learning!!

K12 learning 2.0:  Tools for 21st Century Teaching & Learning

THING “Three” (Session Two)

POST 1: Thing 1 – Reflections on Lifelong Learning . . .

The 7½ Habits of Effective Lifelong Learning was very good and demonstrates essential traits if we are to be successful in our lifelong learning process.  Lifelong learning involves having an attitude of always moving ahead and learning about “new” things and learning to do “new” things.

I enjoy activities such as cooking.  I do my best.  Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I flop.  But, it is always exhilarating to learn how to cook something that actually tastes good enough to eat!  By trying something new each week, this helps exercise the brain and keeps it moving ahead in the learning process not to mention discovering an awesome recipe that is worth sharing!  Yum Yum!

You have probably heard the phrase, “day late and a dollar short” – well, this definitely does not apply to the lifelong learning process.  It is never too late to learn.  On one is ever too old to learn.  I believe that lifelong learning involves an attitude of being open to everything “new”, new ideas, new skills and new friends.  I believe when some people retire, they actually cease the learning process resulting in a shortened life.  This is a tremendous waste.

Of all of the habits mentioned in the video, the most challenging and most important would involve teaching and mentoring others.  This habit has the greatest impact on others.  As we begin to share what we have learned with others, I am sure that it is our desire and wish that it is assimilated in such a manner that they in turn are able to enlighten others as we did them.  Attitude is foundational to how we view the ways in which we learn.  We should look upon the process and the journey as fun and not work.  Expect good things to happen and have positive expectations that something good is going to happen and I may just  discover a life changing idea today!