As I sit here in the airport on my way to Orlando for the FETC Conference, I can't help but notice the amount of access we have. My computer is connected to the free Wi-Fi at the airport while my phone is charging plugged into my computer. In addition, if I want to order food, drink or simply play a game, you can see the iPad behind my computer that allows seamless access to their menus and entertainment. Moreover, on my connecting flight, there was free Wi-Fi which allowed me to message people for free. I was able to have a real-time conversation with my wife while above 10,000 feet on the airplane. I can't help but think about what impact access has on the current state of education?
I know there are multiple facets to equity, but I would argue that access does create equity to some extent. Information is no longer isolated to school settings. Many students have on-demand access to an abundance of information. However, education still might be antiquated in their beliefs about where scholarly information can be obtained. Why does learning have to be this magical power that only teachers possess? Why must learning only take place within a brick and mortar setting?
What in the world is this picture? This is a $13 example that represents the power of access. The check engine light recently came on in my wife's van. According to the mechanic it was in need of a new thermostat. Enter YouTube as the savior for becoming a mechanic at home. After watching a few videos on replacing a thermostat, I was up for the challenge. A quick trip to O'Reilly's and I had my $13 thermostat ready to install. I heated up the garage, grabbed some tools and launched my semi-professional career as a mechanic. Fifteen minutes later I had a brand new thermostat installed in my wife's van. I certainly could have taken the van to a local mechanic and gotten the part replaced for $130, but YouTube saved the day.
I bring this up to showcase the power of access. We are no longer restricted by face-to-face interactions to learn new things. The internet has created an opportunity unlike anytime in history.
How might....
we tap into the power of access? students have autonomy over their pace of learning in the classroom? we leverage outside experts to enrich learning? we empower students to explore their passions? students amplify their voice to make a difference in a connected world?
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#oneword 2019---> Deviate
I have seen many people post about their #oneword for the past few years. However, I have never took the challenge myself. I am jumping on board in 2019 and putting myself out there.
There are various elements within the definition that led me to choose this word for 2019.
:to stray especially from a standard, principle, or topic
:to depart from an established course or norm
Standard and norm have their place, but I would make an argument that we have created a standardized or normed learning environment in educatoin that is based on outdated practices. Change is scary. It is uncomfortable. It is a journey into the unknown.
Deviation is necessary!
I can't remember the name of the podcast or who the speaker was, but what I do recall is the image that I frantically sketched while running on a treadmill and trying to capture the speaker's points that resonated with me. The speaker was sharing the art of goal setting and broke it into three groups.
1) Comfort: goals that are comfortable, but don't equate to growth/change 2) Discomfort: goals that cause discomfort, but yield growth/change 3) Disillusionment: goals that are unachievable and unrealistic. No growth or change. Where would you put standard or norm when thinking about education? I know where I would put it. How do we shift to a zone of discomfort? Deviate
Learning is at the heart of who we are as humans. It is essential that we adapt to our changing world. Our education system is starting to realize that there might actually need to be a different approach to our thinking around learning. If we fail to make adaptations in a modern world, we are doing a disservice to those we serve. Let's not become another Blockbuster that failed to adapt.
I am not attempting to rebel and protest against our current reality in education. However, I am focusing on how I can foster deviation from the norm.
How might we....
Empower and amplify Voice
Innovate within our constraints Imagine, Iterate and Inspire others Connect to a greater purpose Value creation over regurgitation Transform Learning DEVIATE FOR OUR STUDENTS?
In closing, I will leave you with a picture. I came across this image on Nick Proud's Twitter feed. I think it is fitting for my #oneword and a nudge for others looking to deviate from the norm to reimagine learning for our students. Here's to the crazy ones....
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Andrew FenstermakerInstructional Technology Coordinator | Innovation Coach | Google Certified Innovator | Presenter | Blogger | Adjunct @UiowaEducation | Owner @kids_f_i_r_s_t |