Group items tagged

it’s what you do with the content that matters.

Memorizing & regurgitating falls miserably short of equipping our students.

We’ve made education about manipulation and hoops instead of inspiring our students to pursue learning that matters to them — learning that can help them make a difference in our communities and the world.

I believe students are fully competent to be co-creators of their own learning environments. I believe that students can change the world; they are not the future; they are right now. I believe that students need skills that go far beyond the content of most curricula. I believe that students want to learn, but often they lack the environment that sparks the emergence of passionate, life-long learners. I believe that my students have a voice and it should be heard. I believe students can read at their appropriate grade level and still be illiterate. I believe that each of my students has unique talents and interests that should merge with our learning environment at school. I believe my students are not empty vessels waiting to be filled.

I believe that my students need to develop metacognitive skills and make their thinking visible. I believe that students are fully capable of differentiating their own learning. I believe my students are creative and can teach me important things. I believe school shouldn’t be a place where young people go to watch older people work hard. I believe, if given the chance and the right support, my students will become more than they ever thought they could be. I believe that once students begin to see their talents and gifts, they will grow in confidence.

As a teacher: I believe that my classroom should be a place of joy, engagement, learning and play. I believe that I should be less helpful. I believe that I should ask more questions, and offer fewer answers. I believe that I should model what learning, failing, grit & perseverance look like. I believe that I should take risks, even when I’m afraid. I believe it’s crucial to use content to teach skills. I believe that the most important question I often ask my students is, “What do you need?” I believe that I am not the all-knowing guru, nor do I want to be. I believe I need to be transparent with my learning and who I am. I believe that kids need a life outside of school, so I don’t believe in homework — at least not the rote, meaningless stuff that’s usually assigned.

a world of digital knowledge, "always on"0- learning resources, and online communities for both educators and students

At least one Internet-enabled device for every student and educator

Use of Creative Commons and open licenses in course content

Changes to CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) to open access to the Internet and rethink how filtering works in schools

Transform the print-based classroom into a digital learning environment.

Encourage online learning

As good as the NETP may sound, it may be a bit disconcerting that here we are, two years into the Obama Administration, and we've only just now agreed on the plan for education technology.

But a plan, of course, is merely that -- a plan. It remains to be seen if there is either the political willpower or the budget to enact its contents.