BP5-2009121_Anti-Teaching

In this post, I want you to make connections regarding the information you have been reading about and watching in the videos. I also want you to take some time to think about you as a learner. If you make the assumption that the educational systems as we know them do not work for the vast majority of the students moving through them, what would work? Think about what you have learned about Multiple Intelligences, Brain-Based Learning, and good instructional design. Are virtual learning environments with course management systems the answer? What about PLEs and Web 2.0 tools? Is technology itself enough? What are the key components you would include in new schools? Pull from your learning and the sources you have already acquired to support your answer (while you are not required to use APA and site your sources in this post - I do want you to be SPECIFIC in giving examples to support your opinion). What are the key components for 21st century schools and ?learning beyond the test?

I have been teaching for seven years now from Pre-K through 8th grade. From what I have observed I stand in the middle of the fence on my opinion as to whether our current educational systems work or not. I want to begin by discussing something that really stood out to me while reading the "7 Things you should know about Personal Learning Environments". That is that students require some form of self-autonomy in order to successfully manage a PLE. In my opinion, of the students I currently teach today; only about ten percent of them demonstrate that capability. While I believe that this is a very important and excellent teaching tool, I strongly agree that students must possess this skill in order for them to gain the most benefit for their academic needs. I always approach things from how I can directly implement tools I am currently learning to how I can use them with the students I currently teach. The other issue I am currently faced with is that on my campus we are limited on time due to the high need to teach necessary science concepts through labs, etc. PLE's also require sufficient time to learn the technology and software applications they require to successfully manage them. I am in no means saying that I would not use them. In contrast, I want to figure out a way to challenge myself and my students to become responsible and autonomous learners. This leads me to the first article about anti-teaching. It was very powerful and I truly learned so much and gained many ideas about how we as educators approach the theory of instruction. I want to add that taking into consideration what I have learned through this course about multiple intelligence and brain-based learning that it is going to take an effective implementation of both to achieve the most from instruction. Furthermore, with our continued advancements in technology I can only predict that we will move towards the sole use of virtual learning where students will utilize PLE's and Web 2.0 tools. This is the primary reason I am in this program. I want to be one of those educators who is at the forefront of seeing those advances take place in the classroom and helps facilitate that process! My son attends a high school called New Technology High School where project based learning and the use of a combination of Web 2.0 tools and Google sites are the primary sources for learning. As far as a which key components I would include in new schools goes? Well, I would definitely require the use as mentioned above of a well balanced combination of project-based learning coupled with effective use of brain-based learning, and Web 2.0 tools. I would implement PLE's to those students who demonstrate the capacity and maturity to manage them as required. The key would be as the first article stated, for students to be able to successfully become empowered though their own learning. My job would be to be the catalyst for engagement and ultimately facilitate the entire learning process.