This is my first attempt at a blog post. I have listened to a lecture from Will Richardson regarding the traditional classroom and the change or refocus necessary to truly engage our current students. There were times during the video that I really thought he had some valid points.
I think his network was quite visually interesting and that his idea of "talk to strangers" may actually be valid. With my own children (who are 1 &.4). It seems "easy"to be the parent and because you know them so well lead their curiosity and to go to the library or online to look up new information and really study it. My 4 year old really impresses me with his knowledge and desire to learn new things. I think that parents and teachers have responsibility to light fires and help kids find answers, or direction for their curiosities.
One problem or issue that I want to raise is that students seem to have very little that they are actually interested in! If the activity does not involve sleep, skateboarding, sports, playing music, then they seem disinterested. Please develop a wide range of interests. I do not believe that school has squashed their interest. I also will say that the majority of students participate and seem interested if their teacher designs a "really cool application problem/investigation". I digress . . .
I would disagree with Mr. Richardson about the ability to google specific information. I think there is something to be said about a society in which citizens know specific facts about a range of topics: historically important dates, notable Authors' works, mathematical processes to name a few.
In a final thought it is a good and valid exercise for teachers to examine best practices and new practices. I am ready to take on learning in the digital age! I am ready to be a digital learner and figure out how to make it meaningful in the classroom.
