Monday, September 17, 2007

We Need a Revolution

David Warlick on his blog, 2¢ Worth, talked about a group of educational coaches that he was going to speak to. Each coach is going to go back to their school with a whole slew of toys (computers, printers, cameras, and lots more). He says, "It's pretty impressive...how a classroom like this might stir the imagination of a truly inventive educator." I agree, but most teacher's wouldn't know what to do with it all. Most of us ( I include myself here) find it much easer to just incorporate the new "stuff" into what we've always done.

I read a statement that came from AECT today, which talked about the need for systemic change in our schools. Systemic change is more than just learning how to do things a little different. It means chang from the bottom up (and the top too). For the new technology to reach its potential in our old shcool systems, the old "systems" must be completely changed. Completely new paradigms must be developed. I love technology. It has the potential to revolutionize education, but to work, it will take a revolutionary change.

1 comment:

Lois said...

Steve,

You are right on with the need for a dramatic change in K-12 education. As I understand the 21st century skills movement professional development for teachers is an integral part of the program that has been envisioned and adopted by a handful of states - two of which are in the midwest - Wisconsin and South Dakota. While I remain optimistic about the future, this kind of radical change will be difficult to implement effectively.