Comments on: The Next Generation of Teachers http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/ The Read/Write Web in the Classroom Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:22:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Kathy http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17730 Kathy Fri, 06 Apr 2007 03:09:58 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17730 This is something I have been thinking about so I will just float it out there. I wonder if part of the resistance to technology has to do with something very basic. Teaching is an extreme f2f environment. Networks, the internet, Web 2.0 communities and technologies are virtual. Maybe teachers can’t quite cross that chasm (as in the book Crossing the Chasm). Thinking is virtual; talking is not. This is something I have been thinking about so I will just float it out there. I wonder if part of the resistance to technology has to do with something very basic. Teaching is an extreme f2f environment. Networks, the internet, Web 2.0 communities and technologies are virtual. Maybe teachers can’t quite cross that chasm (as in the book Crossing the Chasm). Thinking is virtual; talking is not.

]]> By: Heads-Up » Blog Archive http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17656 Heads-Up » Blog Archive Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:35:10 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17656 [...] With over 500 million volumes in the Library of Congress being added to the 50 million books that Google plans to scan and digitize, “we are now in the process of connecting all the knowledge pools in the world together,” according to Thomas Friedman in his book The world is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century. This along with collaborative content of Web 2.0 and software packages, this will change the way teachers teach. Unlearning and Next Generation Teachers blogs, by Will Richardson and Handtruck by David Jakes have some interesting thoughts on teaching in the 21st Century. What are your thoughts? [...] […] With over 500 million volumes in the Library of Congress being added to the 50 million books that Google plans to scan and digitize, “we are now in the process of connecting all the knowledge pools in the world together,” according to Thomas Friedman in his book The world is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century. This along with collaborative content of Web 2.0 and software packages, this will change the way teachers teach. Unlearning and Next Generation Teachers blogs, by Will Richardson and Handtruck by David Jakes have some interesting thoughts on teaching in the 21st Century. What are your thoughts? […]

]]> By: Educational Discourse » Blog Archive » It’s all about communication http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17394 Educational Discourse » Blog Archive » It’s all about communication Tue, 03 Apr 2007 07:04:43 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17394 [...] How is it we have teachers in their 30 years that are willing to go and try and learn and, and yet we get young teachers, as indicated in Will Richardson’s blog about a conversation with some beginning teachers, that aren’t.  The part I like is The general sense from the group was “yeah, but” once again. Yeah, but we have these kids who are going to abuse these technologies if we open them up. Yeah, but we’re going to be out there on our own if we decide to use these technologies. Yeah, but I don’t have enough time to make this a part of my own practice. Yeah, but, etc. (And please, if any of those in attendance are reading this, feel free to chime in.) At one point I said something along the lines of “you know, there’s a lot of pressure on you in my circles because many people think nothing is going to change until the old guard retires out and you guys take over.” Well, that didn’t float very well. [...] […] How is it we have teachers in their 30 years that are willing to go and try and learn and, and yet we get young teachers, as indicated in Will Richardson’s blog about a conversation with some beginning teachers, that aren’t.  The part I like is The general sense from the group was “yeah, but” once again. Yeah, but we have these kids who are going to abuse these technologies if we open them up. Yeah, but we’re going to be out there on our own if we decide to use these technologies. Yeah, but I don’t have enough time to make this a part of my own practice. Yeah, but, etc. (And please, if any of those in attendance are reading this, feel free to chime in.) At one point I said something along the lines of “you know, there’s a lot of pressure on you in my circles because many people think nothing is going to change until the old guard retires out and you guys take over.” Well, that didn’t float very well. […]

]]> By: Connecting the Dots » Saying “No”: The Mark of a Tech-Savvy Teacher http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17166 Connecting the Dots » Saying “No”: The Mark of a Tech-Savvy Teacher Sun, 01 Apr 2007 14:10:31 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17166 [...] The tremendous comment thread on the next generation of teachers at Weblogg-ed got me to thinking about the value of experience in integrating technology in the classroom. I said it there and I’ll say again it here: more and more, I identify the most tech-savvy teachers by the technologies they reject and the reasons they offer as to why. [...] […] The tremendous comment thread on the next generation of teachers at Weblogg-ed got me to thinking about the value of experience in integrating technology in the classroom. I said it there and I’ll say again it here: more and more, I identify the most tech-savvy teachers by the technologies they reject and the reasons they offer as to why. […]

]]> By: TerryG http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17000 TerryG Sat, 31 Mar 2007 05:26:56 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-17000 Just wanted to add my comment that I found this very informative and thought provoking. One I will banter around the staff room on Monday morning. Just wanted to add my comment that I found this very informative and thought provoking. One I will banter around the staff room on Monday morning.

]]> By: Deb http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16786 Deb Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:01:54 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16786 This whole situation is a catch-22. No, most of the colleges are NOT teaching students any of the newest technology out there. As a recent graduate, my experience was rather dismal in that department. Several of my professors told me not to bother sending e-mails, because they don't look at them nor respond to them. Yikes! While that was not the majority, how can we expect to learn how to use the new tech, when we are being trained by people who know nothing about it? Second, what is the point of being trained in the newest technology when, as Dave pointed out, the decision makers are choosing not to have the new technologies available in the majority of the schools we will teach in. No, I am not prepared to be a teacher in the web 2.0 environment, but I am more than willing to learn it. But where will I have to move to find a school that has the technology and the willingness to help me incorporate it into our everyday learning? Sure, parents want their children to be attending schools where they will have the optimum learning opportunities, but they do not want higher tax burdens to provide those new technologies. How many parents do you see at school board meetings demanding that we better prepare the children for the technologies of today and tomorrow? No easy answers here, folks! This whole situation is a catch-22.

No, most of the colleges are NOT teaching students any of the newest technology out there. As a recent graduate, my experience was rather dismal in that department. Several of my professors told me not to bother sending e-mails, because they don’t look at them nor respond to them. Yikes! While that was not the majority, how can we expect to learn how to use the new tech, when we are being trained by people who know nothing about it?

Second, what is the point of being trained in the newest technology when, as Dave pointed out, the decision makers are choosing not to have the new technologies available in the majority of the schools we will teach in.

No, I am not prepared to be a teacher in the web 2.0 environment, but I am more than willing to learn it. But where will I have to move to find a school that has the technology and the willingness to help me incorporate it into our everyday learning?

Sure, parents want their children to be attending schools where they will have the optimum learning opportunities, but they do not want higher tax burdens to provide those new technologies. How many parents do you see at school board meetings demanding that we better prepare the children for the technologies of today and tomorrow?

No easy answers here, folks!

]]> By: G-Town Talks » Blog Archive » Potential New Hires http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16628 G-Town Talks » Blog Archive » Potential New Hires Wed, 28 Mar 2007 01:30:58 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16628 [...] What struck me tonight was the importance of the subject versus the relevance to the audience. I’m remembering Will Richardson’s recent post,The Next Generation of Teachers,  that generated a terrific comment conversation concerning graduate students and the hope that they’ll take the lead with technology. As Marvin and I shared our experiences and thoughts on the GSA, I kept looking at our audience and thinking “they just want to get jobs, they’re not worried about the GSA or the use of technology or taking any risks. These kids just want to get hired somewhere and earn a living and they don’t want to do anything to screw that up.” [...] […] What struck me tonight was the importance of the subject versus the relevance to the audience. I’m remembering Will Richardson’s recent post,The Next Generation of Teachers,  that generated a terrific comment conversation concerning graduate students and the hope that they’ll take the lead with technology. As Marvin and I shared our experiences and thoughts on the GSA, I kept looking at our audience and thinking “they just want to get jobs, they’re not worried about the GSA or the use of technology or taking any risks. These kids just want to get hired somewhere and earn a living and they don’t want to do anything to screw that up.” […]

]]> By: Ed http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16439 Ed Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:42:00 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16439 New teachers have to be positive about their job. In the case of our emerging technology, we need to be technology based for a better and effective teaching. It's time to cut back on pessimism and start being optimistic. New teachers have to be positive about their job. In the case of our emerging technology, we need to be technology based for a better and effective teaching. It’s time to cut back on pessimism and start being optimistic.

]]> By: Scott Lazovik http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16413 Scott Lazovik Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:28:59 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16413 I disagree with the idea that new teachers are to be expected to be the technology innovators. It should be teachers currently teaching in the district that should be the ones to step forward, not newly graduated teachers. First, most undergraduate education programs are out of touch with teaching technology to educators. I would also argue that higher learning institutions are also out of touch with teaching today’s teachers, but that’s a whole different discussion. There was very little use of technology in any of the classes I had in my undergraduate work. Things might have changed (I am going on 10 years since I was an undergrad). So you can't expect new teachers to be the ones to use technology if they haven't even been taught themselves. Then it's expected that these new teachers incorporate it into the curriculum that they don't even know? I know my first year teaching I was trying to stay a day ahead with my lesson plans. There are two main issues with technology in schools or any learning for that matter - time and breaking the culture of school. Those are the keys to creating educational innovators or at least more teachers using "best practices" in schools. Time needs to be taken to teach the teachers about curriculum, teaching practices, and technology. Teachers then need to determine ways to use it with their class that make it worthwhile. So often teachers are learning some new school initiative one year and all the time is spent going through all the different functions it can do and no time is taken for teachers to connect it to their curriculum. Then the next year it's on to something new. The other problem teachers and new teachers especially would run into is the culture of the school. So many teachers are used to teaching in isolation. Time is not always there to meet with other teachers. Then a new teacher is going to come in and change seasoned veterans' minds about technology and show them up? I believe technology is a way that some of the changes to school culture can fixed. But it needs to come through teachers who know the curriculum and have been teaching a number of years. My third year of teaching the same subject was when I finally felt I had a grip on where my students needed to be by the end of the year and how we could get there. These teachers can make changes to the school they are at and the biggest change is to share with other teachers. Talk about what is working or what ideas do others have in the teacher's lounge instead of complaining about kids. I have hopes of making those changes in my building. Start small and all the little changes can eventually create the big one you are hoping to achieve. I disagree with the idea that new teachers are to be expected to be the technology innovators. It should be teachers currently teaching in the district that should be the ones to step forward, not newly graduated teachers. First, most undergraduate education programs are out of touch with teaching technology to educators. I would also argue that higher learning institutions are also out of touch with teaching today’s teachers, but that’s a whole different discussion. There was very little use of technology in any of the classes I had in my undergraduate work. Things might have changed (I am going on 10 years since I was an undergrad). So you can’t expect new teachers to be the ones to use technology if they haven’t even been taught themselves. Then it’s expected that these new teachers incorporate it into the curriculum that they don’t even know? I know my first year teaching I was trying to stay a day ahead with my lesson plans.
There are two main issues with technology in schools or any learning for that matter - time and breaking the culture of school. Those are the keys to creating educational innovators or at least more teachers using “best practices” in schools. Time needs to be taken to teach the teachers about curriculum, teaching practices, and technology. Teachers then need to determine ways to use it with their class that make it worthwhile. So often teachers are learning some new school initiative one year and all the time is spent going through all the different functions it can do and no time is taken for teachers to connect it to their curriculum. Then the next year it’s on to something new.
The other problem teachers and new teachers especially would run into is the culture of the school. So many teachers are used to teaching in isolation. Time is not always there to meet with other teachers. Then a new teacher is going to come in and change seasoned veterans’ minds about technology and show them up?
I believe technology is a way that some of the changes to school culture can fixed. But it needs to come through teachers who know the curriculum and have been teaching a number of years. My third year of teaching the same subject was when I finally felt I had a grip on where my students needed to be by the end of the year and how we could get there. These teachers can make changes to the school they are at and the biggest change is to share with other teachers. Talk about what is working or what ideas do others have in the teacher’s lounge instead of complaining about kids. I have hopes of making those changes in my building. Start small and all the little changes can eventually create the big one you are hoping to achieve.

]]> By: Karen Stearns http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16338 Karen Stearns Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:01:25 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16338 Hi Will, wish you'd referenced similar experiences with students in CNY last November. I do see the students you spoke to, many now either in the undergrad. tech class I teach or student teaching this semester changing it up. The impact of one course, one book and your visit has been profound at Cortland. We haven't been in touch in awhile...glad you're getting the students' voice out there. And so happy to see so many responses here. Hi Will, wish you’d referenced similar experiences with students in CNY last November. I do see the students you spoke to, many now either in the undergrad. tech class I teach or student teaching this semester changing it up. The impact of one course, one book and your visit has been profound at Cortland. We haven’t been in touch in awhile…glad you’re getting the students’ voice out there. And so happy to see so many responses here.

]]> By: Dan Bowling http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16233 Dan Bowling Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:26:47 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16233 I am a new teacher and I see a huge value in using many forms of online technologies to improve learning; my problem is not a lack of desire, or skill, but administrative support (both through funding, policy, and server technology.) Though remotely hosted solutions are good for the inexperienced, I prefer to run my own install for maximum control, but school districts just don't want to support those types of things. It's hard enough getting a basic web space, let alone a database and language support. I am a new teacher and I see a huge value in using many forms of online technologies to improve learning; my problem is not a lack of desire, or skill, but administrative support (both through funding, policy, and server technology.)

Though remotely hosted solutions are good for the inexperienced, I prefer to run my own install for maximum control, but school districts just don’t want to support those types of things. It’s hard enough getting a basic web space, let alone a database and language support.

]]> By: Dave http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16223 Dave Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:55:32 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16223 Teachers are an important part of any change in education. In my district (and I'd imagine, most districts) teachers don't control technology. A <strong>technology department controls technology</strong>. To me, discussion about teachers supporting stronger technology integration in the classroom with newer, often web-based, tech is purely academic. <strong>Until our technology departments lose their fear of changing solutions and learn to choose the best, most forward-thinking solutions, there will be no change.</strong> I'm fresh meat in the edu-tech area, and it's exhausting to continually try to convince directors that there are better solutions, have them agree, and then start "yeah, buts". The solutions are cheap and well within budget, and most are either so simple that training wouldn't be necessary, or so incredible that teachers say they will come to voluntary, unpaid training to get access to the tool. How do we get through to the actual decision-makers? Teachers are an important part of any change in education. In my district (and I’d imagine, most districts) teachers don’t control technology. A technology department controls technology.

To me, discussion about teachers supporting stronger technology integration in the classroom with newer, often web-based, tech is purely academic. Until our technology departments lose their fear of changing solutions and learn to choose the best, most forward-thinking solutions, there will be no change.

I’m fresh meat in the edu-tech area, and it’s exhausting to continually try to convince directors that there are better solutions, have them agree, and then start “yeah, buts”. The solutions are cheap and well within budget, and most are either so simple that training wouldn’t be necessary, or so incredible that teachers say they will come to voluntary, unpaid training to get access to the tool.

How do we get through to the actual decision-makers?

]]> By: Ken Pruitt http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16216 Ken Pruitt Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:58:52 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16216 "Hyper-text"/link minds. I like it “Hyper-text”/link minds. I like it

]]> By: MrO http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16195 MrO Fri, 23 Mar 2007 13:39:12 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16195 Kid's will abuse technology? What they don't "abuse" pencils and paper? How many of us have had to reign in paper air planes, or had to confiscate inappropriate notes? Kids will be kids; mischief will be mischief. The excuse that they'll abuse the technology is as old as the paintings on the walls of caves. Kid’s will abuse technology?

What they don’t “abuse” pencils and paper? How many of us have had to reign in paper air planes, or had to confiscate inappropriate notes?

Kids will be kids; mischief will be mischief. The excuse that they’ll abuse the technology is as old as the paintings on the walls of caves.

]]> By: Steve Ransom http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16186 Steve Ransom Fri, 23 Mar 2007 13:12:45 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-next-generation-of-teachers/#comment-16186 New technology is bunk!!! Now that I said that, let me qualify it. To me, the larger issue has nothing to do with technology. There is no way we will see mass paradigm shifting with technology as the focus until we see mass paradigm shifing with PEDAGOGY as the focus. We keep talking about how technology has the potential to facilitate big changes in teaching and learning (and don't get me wrong - it can). However, when teachers and preservice teachers are still operating pretty much within a more traditional paradigm, technology will only get as far as being "integrated" into existing practices (Cuban) rather than becoming some amazing tool for student centered, more constructivist practices. It is similiar to the important practice of using manipulatives in the teaching of mathematics. Most (not all) teachers that I know at best "integrate" manipulatives into math because they are told to or because the textbook tells them to. Many do not use them at all. Why? Because they have not learned/experience the value of doing things differenly. These are the same teachers that we want to see transforming their practice with new technologies? I don't think so. Effective, relevant teaching has to preceed effective, relevant teaching with technology, I think. As a very big "tech geek" myself, I would much have my son in a classroom with an excellent teacher than a mediocre one trying with little understanding and conviction to "integrate" technology. A Smart board, personal response systems, and high-speed Internet is motivating and fun for kids. Jerome Bruner wrote in 1960, "What one does and how one teaches with the aid of such devices (teaching machines) depends upon the skill and wisdom that goes into the construction of a program of problems". I think it is still relevant today. New technology is bunk!!!
Now that I said that, let me qualify it. To me, the larger issue has nothing to do with technology. There is no way we will see mass paradigm shifting with technology as the focus until we see mass paradigm shifing with PEDAGOGY as the focus. We keep talking about how technology has the potential to facilitate big changes in teaching and learning (and don’t get me wrong - it can). However, when teachers and preservice teachers are still operating pretty much within a more traditional paradigm, technology will only get as far as being “integrated” into existing practices (Cuban) rather than becoming some amazing tool for student centered, more constructivist practices. It is similiar to the important practice of using manipulatives in the teaching of mathematics. Most (not all) teachers that I know at best “integrate” manipulatives into math because they are told to or because the textbook tells them to. Many do not use them at all. Why? Because they have not learned/experience the value of doing things differenly. These are the same teachers that we want to see transforming their practice with new technologies? I don’t think so.

Effective, relevant teaching has to preceed effective, relevant teaching with technology, I think. As a very big “tech geek” myself, I would much have my son in a classroom with an excellent teacher than a mediocre one trying with little understanding and conviction to “integrate” technology. A Smart board, personal response systems, and high-speed Internet is motivating and fun for kids. Jerome Bruner wrote in 1960, “What one does and how one teaches with the aid of such devices (teaching machines) depends upon the skill and wisdom that goes into the construction of a program of problems”. I think it is still relevant today.

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