My Learning
Credits: Wesley Fryer, 2008
Within the pages of this site I will share what I have learned about Leadership, 21st Century Learning, and Digital Literacy. I have chosen these three topics because I feel that they are key to igniting a change to our current system of teaching and learning.
Digital Literacy demonstrates the practical application of how students are learning in many schools today through self-organized learning environments (Mitra, 2013) and using Web 2.0 tools to demonstrate their learning. Digital Literacy is a passion of mine and something I teach regularly as a Teacher-Librarian and Media Specialist. In addition to the pedagogy I provide examples of digital storytelling that engage students and provide a variety of options for sharing student work in a creative and collaborative medium. I also discuss the wide variety of Web 2.0 tools available to support Digital Literacy as well as discuss some of the equity and inclusiveness issues surrounding using technology in this way.
Digital Literacy demonstrates the practical application of how students are learning in many schools today through self-organized learning environments (Mitra, 2013) and using Web 2.0 tools to demonstrate their learning. Digital Literacy is a passion of mine and something I teach regularly as a Teacher-Librarian and Media Specialist. In addition to the pedagogy I provide examples of digital storytelling that engage students and provide a variety of options for sharing student work in a creative and collaborative medium. I also discuss the wide variety of Web 2.0 tools available to support Digital Literacy as well as discuss some of the equity and inclusiveness issues surrounding using technology in this way.
21st Century Skills provides a framework for the skills we should be teaching our students, such as the ability to think critically, collaborate, communicate and be able to create and innovate. Under 21st Century Learning I will discuss the importance of Digital Citizenship - a subject I strongly believe should be as important as Language and Mathematics in our schools beginning as early as Kindergarten. I will also include reflections on what Marc Prensky (2012) refers to as "Partnering" - which is the catch-all phrase for Problem Based Learning, Student Centred Learning, Inquiry Based Learning and all other terms that roughly relate to the same idea. Authentic Assessment will also fall under the umbrella of 21st Century Learning and is an essential component if our intention is to change the way we teach and learn. New ways of teaching and new roles for teachers and students will require new ways of assessing our learning in a meaningful and authentic way.
Without effective Leadership, the coming revolution in education will not be successful. We need strong leaders who understand what it means to lead a diverse group of people in the face of rapid change, leaders who inspire and can make the most of the strengths of those around them. Within the pages of Leadership I will discuss what I have learned about the importance of leadership as a driver of change and how we can actively encourage staff and students to create a shared vision for the future of education. A revolution is rarely orchestrated by a select few. A revolution is a grass-roots, ground-swelling movement that gains momentum by convincing people that the cause is worthwhile and a change to the status quo is needed. Strong leaders with vision are required to articulate the message and spread the word that if we are to prepare young people for a future where many of the jobs they will fill don't currently exist, then we must rethink what skills will be essential to their future.
Without effective Leadership, the coming revolution in education will not be successful. We need strong leaders who understand what it means to lead a diverse group of people in the face of rapid change, leaders who inspire and can make the most of the strengths of those around them. Within the pages of Leadership I will discuss what I have learned about the importance of leadership as a driver of change and how we can actively encourage staff and students to create a shared vision for the future of education. A revolution is rarely orchestrated by a select few. A revolution is a grass-roots, ground-swelling movement that gains momentum by convincing people that the cause is worthwhile and a change to the status quo is needed. Strong leaders with vision are required to articulate the message and spread the word that if we are to prepare young people for a future where many of the jobs they will fill don't currently exist, then we must rethink what skills will be essential to their future.