The Possibilities…
I currently teach sixth grade social studies, and next year I will be moving to the high school. I have a desire to be the best high school teacher I can be. I incorporated technology in many different ways in the middle school classroom. As I anticipate my high school career, I want to prepare now. Fairview is a Pennsylvania state designated “classroom of the future” site. Several of our high school teachers have already been working with this technology. I understand I need to prepare to teach in the style the students learn; and push those students to learn at levels I could not achieve in the middle school.
I’m stunned by the variety of the approaches, the ideas, the connections and collaborations, the management and facilitation of student learning, the classroom without walls; they are all very impressive. As I begin to explore the blogs, wikis, and resources on-line I am astonished, overwhelmed, and ultimately inspired.
In the back of my mind, daydreaming about the future; I would occasionally say, “what if….” Now I am aware of a network of educators taking action on the possibilities and forging the collaborative world.
Some of the links are to sources and techniques I never even dreamed. I am intrigued and enthused by the blogs, wikis, podcasts, and learning taking place in classrooms all over the world.
One of the ideas I’ve had in the back of my mind, podcasting, has been bravely pioneered by others who shrugged off convention and jumped in to do it. . For over a year I’ve been thinking seriously about incorporating podcasting. I’m very impressed and energized by youthradio and Podcasting in Education. I’m awed by the way these podcasts have connected classrooms and demonstrated student learning.
More importantly, after reading George Seimens’ Connectivism: Learning as Network-Creation, I can see Web 2.0 changing the very way we conceptualize learning. Non-linear curriculum and instruction may become the new paradigm.
I would like to accomplish an understanding of Web 2.0. I want to find ways to arrange learning for my courses next year, as I plan the course curriculum. I want to establish a clear philosophy and approach to teaching. I see the high school move as a new opportunity in many ways. What better time to try new approaches?
3 Comments
Hi Jim,
I keep thinking about the possibilities too, but you really stated things so nicely. I felt as if you had read my little mind! : ) I am inspired by all the things that are out there for us to use as wonderful tools of learning. I think you’re right about the changing conceptualization of learning and teaching. That non-linear curriculum and instruction is already the new paradigm. Years ago, I read a short story about students staying home to learn. They all were taught by real teachers in a virtual world. Actual school buildings were a thing of the past. (I believe the story was in Reader’s Digest of long ago!) Teachers, such a this old veteran, really do need to embrace what is possible. Having taught high school forever, you are in a terrific position to affect the greatest changes! Way cool! Have a super day.
Sue
What is the reason that your are moving to the high school to teach? My husband is also a social studies teacher, who formerly taught sixth grade and then was involuntarily moved to seventh grade, primarily because he is very good at what he does and to replace someone who wasn’t so good.
I can happily say this is a move I am eager to make. Fairview is a small suburban school district, and there is little teacher turn-over. Particularly in Social Studies, teachers tend to stay. I was initially hired ten years ago, and in that time one high school Social Studies teacher retired, and his position was not replaced. This position was created when a high school social studies teacher joined the administrative team.
I am very happy with middle school. It is a terrific place to work; especially since a building expansion and renovation in 2001/02. So I’m not leaving because of my current environment. The high school will provide new opportunities and new experiences. I love teaching sixth grade, I’m not sure it would be right for me to do it exclusively for thirty five years.
For your husband, it must be a frustrating feeling to be in a classroom he did not choose. I imagine that would be hard to take at times. What subject area does he teach?