Goodbye Teacher....
Posted by tracy o'malley on Thursday, May 17, 2012
Under: Reflective Journal
Lecture 10 was delivered by Jan Herrington and focused on the role of teachers in a 21st century classroom. As an external student I find this subject particularly interesting. Many people question the role of the teacher in classrooms especially when many individuals are opting to continue working and studying online during a time that is convenient to them. If individuals are able to manage their education independently, then where is the need for the teacher? I think it was Fred S. Keller who said "technology will not really teach" and this remarkably true. Teachers will still be required to teach, facilitate and guide learning for students. I find I am regularly 'checking in' with tutors and other students to ensure I am on the right track or for clarification, etc.
Jan also addressed the different ways we learn - 'shoelesslearning' - and the different environments we learn in - rule of thirds classroom design. Both topics were interesting as she ran through the pros and cons of shoeless learning and how the environment inwhich we learn effects the way we learn. I particularly enjoyed G. Whitby's Funky School and felt myself longing for that kind of learning environment when I was in school.
Jan further addressed the use of mobile phones in the classroom. I have heard her mention this in a prior lecture and am still not sold on it. I have heard of a couple of schools in the northern suburbs where the use of mobile phones is encouraged rather than discouraged. Unfortunately the effects in the playground have been quite negative - as soon as it is recess or lunch the mobile phones are out and the students are texting other students, but there is little to no verbal communication or play occurring. We are all aware of the importance of social development on students and the impact it has on their emotional and academic development. So sorry Jan, I can not reconcile myself to mobile phones in the classroom.
Overall, I found this weeks lecture really interesting and have enjoyed internally reflecting, blogging and discussions some of the points with peers.
Jan also addressed the different ways we learn - 'shoelesslearning' - and the different environments we learn in - rule of thirds classroom design. Both topics were interesting as she ran through the pros and cons of shoeless learning and how the environment inwhich we learn effects the way we learn. I particularly enjoyed G. Whitby's Funky School and felt myself longing for that kind of learning environment when I was in school.
Jan further addressed the use of mobile phones in the classroom. I have heard her mention this in a prior lecture and am still not sold on it. I have heard of a couple of schools in the northern suburbs where the use of mobile phones is encouraged rather than discouraged. Unfortunately the effects in the playground have been quite negative - as soon as it is recess or lunch the mobile phones are out and the students are texting other students, but there is little to no verbal communication or play occurring. We are all aware of the importance of social development on students and the impact it has on their emotional and academic development. So sorry Jan, I can not reconcile myself to mobile phones in the classroom.
Overall, I found this weeks lecture really interesting and have enjoyed internally reflecting, blogging and discussions some of the points with peers.
In : Reflective Journal