Introduction “The times they are a-changing.” Bob Dylan
This is probably the most overused, yet most relevant quote on the planet. The times they are always changing and although the world continues to change with it, some educational practices have become stagnant. Walking through classrooms, you can still see students lined up in rows, writing solitary exams, while the world continuously pressures us to shape collaborators, thinkers, and innovators. Education should be “a-changing” right along with society.
Here is something that hasn’t changed though: the best teaching is always built upon relationships. Think back to your own favorite teachers. They were probably people who knew quite a bit about and made you feel that you were a unique and special individual. The fact of the matter is that they did this probably for most students they encountered. They were people who you felt believed in you and inspired you to do great things, maybe even to become a teacher. They always seemed to go the extra mile to ensure that you knew your strengths and cared deeply about your passions. No matter what technology comes into our classrooms, nothing will ever replace a good teacher. Nothing.
Now, take that good teaching and equip it with the advancing technology we now have at our fingertips. This is the game changer for educators. Preparing our students not only to be digitally savvy, but leveraging these technologies to help them create, communicate, connect and collaborate will prepare them to be contributing citizens to their future. When we were in school, bringing the “TV” to the classroom was one of the best days ever. Now we have the opportunity to bring the world to the classroom every day. I would be excited to have this opportunity as a learner, but I am even more excited as an educator. We have the means to create this revolution in learning where our students not only learn, but connect with people around the globe.
Here is a problem: you may not feel comfortable with this technology. That’s okay, because there are probably people in your school that are, and those people are willing to help to get you started. If they are not in your school, they are sitting here and waiting to jump into your classroom from miles away. We all became educators to do what is best for all kids, not just a small group of kids. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technology, though, I have three words for you: get over it. This is not about you, this is about our kids. We have to do everything to empower our students for their future, not our past, or even our present.
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