Week 2 - Blog Posting #3 - Media Literacy

I have the feeling the a vast majority of the educators throughout the field, are completely out of touch with how out of touch their teaching really is. How often have you heard a teacher in the hall, complaining that the behavior of students today is not what it used to be? Could it not be a behavior problem but a boredom problem? If the student is not engaged and actively pursuing their own quest for knowledge, they are much more likely to tune out, shut down and act out.

The evidence that kids today learn differently is all around us. They learn by doing, creating, competing, communicating and cooperating with people on a global level. In the 3 Steps for 21^st Century Learning, they use an Alvin Toffler quote, “The illiterate of the 21^st Century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” My fear is that this statement defines most educators today. A lot has to be done for teachers to begin to understand that the traditional teacher method is no longer effective, and in many cases, can be detrimental.

Greg Whitby, Executive Director of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, talks about the idea that we need to be “Co-constructors of knowledge.”

This past summer I decided to completely reevaluate how my classroom flowed and what I can do to actively help my students take ownership of their education. I want them to do what they can do delve deep into the topic and find out the answers for themselves. Accessing the available Web 2.0 tools, bringing in virtual play, video games and many of today’s instant forms of communication are just the beginning to ensuring that we our students are 21^st Century Learners. Dr. Stuckey, from the 9/14 Wimba session, said that one of the many benefits of a world like Quest Atlantis is that it puts the user, the student, into the content.

I am energized at the direction that many educators have begun to explore. Hopefully, the excitement is contagious and more and more of us will do all we can do better the lives of our students.

References:

Halaw, Jackie. 3 steps for 21^st century learning. Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watchv=2yCB4i7GJuM

Torres, Marco Antonio. (2008). 21^st century pedagogy. Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watchv=l72UFXqa8ZU