Comments on: Why is it so Hard for Educators to Focus on Their Own Learning? http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/ Learning with the Read/Write Web Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:36:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Judy http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-2/#comment-29125 Judy Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:31:02 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-29125 All educational and training institutions should embed strategies for ongoing training and learning of teaching staff ie practice what we preach. Professional development should encompass the lifelong learning mantra for teaching staff with a 'learning by doing' approach; it's practical and in this way teachers and trainers will incorporate their new knowledge of technique and delivery into classrooms; use of the technology to deliver creatively and with innovation is required for virtual classroom delivery to achieve successful learning outcomes for learners. We are all time poor but need to extend ourselves to be at the cutting edge of the education process. All educational and training institutions should embed strategies for ongoing training and learning of teaching staff ie practice what we preach. Professional development should encompass the lifelong learning mantra for teaching staff with a ‘learning by doing’ approach; it’s practical and in this way teachers and trainers will incorporate their new knowledge of technique and delivery into classrooms; use of the technology to deliver creatively and with innovation is required for virtual classroom delivery to achieve successful learning outcomes for learners. We are all time poor but need to extend ourselves to be at the cutting edge of the education process.

]]> By: Web2 implications for Professional Development « Tim’s Blog de Blog http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-28723 Web2 implications for Professional Development « Tim’s Blog de Blog Sun, 05 Aug 2007 10:31:14 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-28723 [...] August 5, 2007 When presenting on the marvels of Web 2 tools Will Richardson relates his frustration that teachers see this as another practice for the classroom and not seeing the crucial step of themselves becoming the practitioners in order to deeply understand-and transfer understanding of them. ‘Teachers just don’t think they have to go there’. Teachers need to take responsibility for their own learning and model behaviours for their students ‘Why is it so hard for educators to focus on their own learning?’ [...] [...] August 5, 2007 When presenting on the marvels of Web 2 tools Will Richardson relates his frustration that teachers see this as another practice for the classroom and not seeing the crucial step of themselves becoming the practitioners in order to deeply understand-and transfer understanding of them. ‘Teachers just don’t think they have to go there’. Teachers need to take responsibility for their own learning and model behaviours for their students ‘Why is it so hard for educators to focus on their own learning?’ [...]

]]> By: Wendell Dryden http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27766 Wendell Dryden Tue, 24 Jul 2007 22:49:36 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27766 Some co-workers are reluctant to engage with computers. Some are reluctant to engage with mathematics, or history, or physics. Not a few have stated they will only do "professional development" if they are given paid time. I'm not sure what to think about that, except to think people who stop learning for fun will all too soon take the fun out of the learning that happens around them. I don't want to be mean, but "lifelong learning" Has to be more than a slogan for educators. Some co-workers are reluctant to engage with computers. Some are reluctant to engage with mathematics, or history, or physics. Not a few have stated they will only do “professional development” if they are given paid time.

I’m not sure what to think about that, except to think people who stop learning for fun will all too soon take the fun out of the learning that happens around them.

I don’t want to be mean, but “lifelong learning” Has to be more than a slogan for educators.

]]> By: Learning & Teaching Using Technology » Blog Archive » Response to Weblogg-ed http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27757 Learning & Teaching Using Technology » Blog Archive » Response to Weblogg-ed Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:37:34 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27757 [...] I was one of many who responded to a July 17 blog entry about the difficulty of getting educators to focus on their own learning and not just the students. That was my first comment on a blog other than a class or contained group. So far, no return comments… [...] [...] I was one of many who responded to a July 17 blog entry about the difficulty of getting educators to focus on their own learning and not just the students. That was my first comment on a blog other than a class or contained group. So far, no return comments… [...]

]]> By: richm http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27708 richm Tue, 24 Jul 2007 01:29:03 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27708 I have trouble just getting teachers to come to a free professional development on any technology let alone the web 2.0. Until there is a major shift in state requirements and No Child Left behind takes a back seat it is going to be an up hill battle for the masses to adopt these changes. I have trouble just getting teachers to come to a free professional development on any technology let alone the web 2.0. Until there is a major shift in state requirements and No Child Left behind takes a back seat it is going to be an up hill battle for the masses to adopt these changes.

]]> By: N. Hampton Technology Integration » Class Goals http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27664 N. Hampton Technology Integration » Class Goals Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:32:04 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27664 [...] So we were asked to write about what we want to get out of class this week. I’m sitting here already feeling overwhelmed by all the potential, the possibilities of web 2.0 tools in my school for both my teachers and students. Thanks to the randomness of the web…As I was searching for one topic, I came across something totally unrelated and interestingly enough it is the blog for the book that we’re using this week. In one of his posts Will R is talking about how hard it is for teachers to focus on their own learning. http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/ [...] [...] So we were asked to write about what we want to get out of class this week. I’m sitting here already feeling overwhelmed by all the potential, the possibilities of web 2.0 tools in my school for both my teachers and students. Thanks to the randomness of the web…As I was searching for one topic, I came across something totally unrelated and interestingly enough it is the blog for the book that we’re using this week. In one of his posts Will R is talking about how hard it is for teachers to focus on their own learning. http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/ [...]

]]> By: bj http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27625 bj Sun, 22 Jul 2007 17:11:39 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27625 Simple. I am a teaching fellow. In business world all aligned to ensure a great product etc...In the teacher world, you have a chancellor who tells us we stink, the principal union and the teacher union should be one, but they are not and aligned different. You have no child left behind demanding schools to reach stupid AYP. In business you improve step by step. In the teacher world, you try to do this, your school is shut down. Simple. I am a teaching fellow. In business world all aligned to ensure a great product etc…In the teacher world, you have a chancellor who tells us we stink, the principal union and the teacher union should be one, but they are not and aligned different. You have no child left behind demanding schools to reach stupid AYP. In business you improve step by step. In the teacher world, you try to do this, your school is shut down.

]]> By: Mrs. Durff http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27590 Mrs. Durff Sun, 22 Jul 2007 02:57:14 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27590 Maybe the step is missing because as a society we don't really place value in learning for itself. If we did, would we have to qualify why we want to learn something? Maybe the step is missing because as a society we don’t really place value in learning for itself. If we did, would we have to qualify why we want to learn something?

]]> By: kbenson http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27589 kbenson Sun, 22 Jul 2007 02:42:33 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27589 Will, I heard your talk at TIE conference in Colorado and have been mulling over your philosophy all summer. As a former tech worker cum economics teacher, I am anxious to put some technology to work in my classroom. One of my worries is that I'll just be using technology for technology's sake. It will wow the kids by using the blog format ala Fischbowl style. They'll be able to get web updates and classroom materials from my web site. I may have them create wikis for their final projects. This is all well and good. But are they learning more or just doing more with technology? I can't get my hands around it. I'm excited, especially with my school behind me, but also uncertain as to the benefits. (nothing yet on my web site - I just set it up at TIE) Will,
I heard your talk at TIE conference in Colorado and have been mulling over your philosophy all summer. As a former tech worker cum economics teacher, I am anxious to put some technology to work in my classroom. One of my worries is that I’ll just be using technology for technology’s sake. It will wow the kids by using the blog format ala Fischbowl style. They’ll be able to get web updates and classroom materials from my web site. I may have them create wikis for their final projects. This is all well and good. But are they learning more or just doing more with technology? I can’t get my hands around it. I’m excited, especially with my school behind me, but also uncertain as to the benefits.

(nothing yet on my web site – I just set it up at TIE)

]]> By: Roxanne Glaser http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27534 Roxanne Glaser Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:50:27 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27534 I have found that the most authentic leaders and teachers are those who use these tools in their personal practice and their learning. So many times, professionals whose job it is to "train" teachers, spend the time talking and telling from the front of the room with a PowerPoint presentation. Telling is not teaching. I have a great job where I am responsible for facilitating collaboration between and among educators mainly using room-based videoconferencing systems, but increasingly using Web 2.0 technologies to support the asynchronous conversation that inevitably develops. I use the same tools with my teachers as I expect them to use with their students and the teachers LOVE it and come back year after year to our projects. The teachers also send me additional ideas of how to evolve the projects to take them to the next level. Those of us who "get it" must continue to be patient with those who are reluctant or who don't. I always frame people who question or challenge my statements as giving me the gift of deepening my understanding behind why I do what I do. I will continue my path of "Walking Our Talk"! http://www.edlink12.net/vcrox/2007/01/23/walking-our-talk/ I have found that the most authentic leaders and teachers are those who use these tools in their personal practice and their learning.

So many times, professionals whose job it is to “train” teachers, spend the time talking and telling from the front of the room with a PowerPoint presentation. Telling is not teaching.

I have a great job where I am responsible for facilitating collaboration between and among educators mainly using room-based videoconferencing systems, but increasingly using Web 2.0 technologies to support the asynchronous conversation that inevitably develops. I use the same tools with my teachers as I expect them to use with their students and the teachers LOVE it and come back year after year to our projects. The teachers also send me additional ideas of how to evolve the projects to take them to the next level.

Those of us who “get it” must continue to be patient with those who are reluctant or who don’t. I always frame people who question or challenge my statements as giving me the gift of deepening my understanding behind why I do what I do. I will continue my path of “Walking Our Talk”!

http://www.edlink12.net/vcrox/2007/01/23/walking-our-talk/

]]> By: MaryAnn Sansonetti http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27529 MaryAnn Sansonetti Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:36:08 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27529 This really hit home for me. After NECC07 I realized, if I want the teachers I service to really get what I train them on in professional development I was going to have to model what I am talking about. I blog here and there on random locations to test out sites for teachers but I never looked at seriously keeping up a blog. BUT now I am ... I have been out of town a lot but I am making a concious effort to keep write my thoughts about technology integration on my blog. Its really the age old practice what you preach... I hope me doing so will spark a change for some teachers. This really hit home for me. After NECC07 I realized, if I want the teachers I service to really get what I train them on in professional development I was going to have to model what I am talking about. I blog here and there on random locations to test out sites for teachers but I never looked at seriously keeping up a blog. BUT now I am … I have been out of town a lot but I am making a concious effort to keep write my thoughts about technology integration on my blog. Its really the age old practice what you preach… I hope me doing so will spark a change for some teachers.

]]> By: Beth Knittle http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27528 Beth Knittle Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:19:28 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27528 I agree that the focus should be on a teachers personal and professional growth. I have held a series of workshops in my district focusing on communication and collaboration, building your own professional learning network. The teachers are using Moodle, wikis, blogs and soon we will be adding Second Life and Ning to the mix. I find once they use the tools themselves and see how they have affected their own learning, then they want to bring the tools to the classroom. I agree that the focus should be on a teachers personal and professional growth. I have held a series of workshops in my district focusing on communication and collaboration, building your own professional learning network. The teachers are using Moodle, wikis, blogs and soon we will be adding Second Life and Ning to the mix. I find once they use the tools themselves and see how they have affected their own learning, then they want to bring the tools to the classroom.

]]> By: Ed http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27410 Ed Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:12:16 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27410 I fully agree. We have been having the same problem. I was recently introduced to the concept of You the Learner, You the Teacher, You the Leader. We now start all our Web 2.0 workshops with this concept. We emphazise that until you use the tools yourself to learn you can not move onto teaching or leading. It has really made a difference for us. I fully agree. We have been having the same problem. I was recently introduced to the concept of You the Learner, You the Teacher, You the Leader. We now start all our Web 2.0 workshops with this concept. We emphazise that until you use the tools yourself to learn you can not move onto teaching or leading. It has really made a difference for us.

]]> By: Borderland » Blog Archive » Resistant, Clueless, Indifferent, or Just Defensive? http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27390 Borderland » Blog Archive » Resistant, Clueless, Indifferent, or Just Defensive? Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:56:53 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27390 [...] Responding to a distributed blues riff on teacher resistance to systemic change (Will Richardson, Artichoke, Chris Sessums, and Terry Elliot - here and here again). I have a quick story. [...] [...] Responding to a distributed blues riff on teacher resistance to systemic change (Will Richardson, Artichoke, Chris Sessums, and Terry Elliot – here and here again). I have a quick story. [...]

]]> By: Gabriela Sellart http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/comment-page-1/#comment-27388 Gabriela Sellart Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:30:15 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/why-is-it-so-hard-for-educators-to-focus-on-their-own-learning/#comment-27388 I'm a teacher. I've been learning for 48 years (that's my age). When I started blogging some months ago I discovered I could learn through trial and error. I would have sworn I couldn't do that. It was really shocking to discover myself as a different kind of learner. Shocking, but terribly moving. The old rational "I" was safer. I'm happy to have shaken my safe side a little bit, though. I’m a teacher. I’ve been learning for 48 years (that’s my age). When I started blogging some months ago I discovered I could learn through trial and error. I would have sworn I couldn’t do that. It was really shocking to discover myself as a different kind of learner. Shocking, but terribly moving. The old rational “I” was safer. I’m happy to have shaken my safe side a little bit, though.

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