Learning Together

"It is never enough, it seems to me, to teach a child mere information." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

We just completed a three day learning event at IU8 that we called World of Learning Adventure. Teachers who have been a part of a the World Language Network at IU8 came together to learn about how to use virtual resources with the specific goals of “creating a variety of experiences for learners, exploring ways to engage learners, finding and sharing new resources, and to learn from each other.” We didn’t just talk about the content, we talked about really connecting with learners, going 'beyond information". It was awesome! It was aptly called an Adventure and was a good way to describe the journey we took.

The intensity that the teachers brought to this experience set the stage for a great three days. We began by introducing and expanded learning ecosystem that is at the center of Mass Customized Learning (Schwann and McGarvey). We explored Open Educational Resources (OER) and Creative Commons. We also explored Problem Based Learning, and tools like Google Drive and Trello for organizing our sharing. We discussed the roadblocks we face in schools. We lamented that while technology makes things more available, we must also be cautious about the resources we find. We even discussed how some resources aren’t yet available to everyone in schools. Together we took a deep dive into how we could use and share what we were learning and how our ideas could expand the opportunities for the learners we teach.

Like many educators in the summer months, these teachers worked hard for three days to stretch themselves to work with tools they are not familiar with. At every step of the way they thought about meeting kids where they are so they could all be excited by learning. They are trying hard to keep up and at times I could see the anxiety on their faces. The world is changing so fast. The call to do it now, get the new thing, try the latest (you fill in the blank) grabs us all. Some hear the call on their computers, others their tablets and still others their phones. A few strokes of the keys, a voice message or a swipe and you have millions of suggestions for an answer. How do teachers compete with the vast kingdom of knowledge found in these devices?

We have so much to learn. I am grateful for the teachers that we sat with this week, they are thoughtful and care deeply about learning (their own and the children's). I am hopeful that together with my colleagues at IU8, we can help teachers harness their own power to continue to learn, helping children as they head into the world. It was very good!

Here’s to what’s next; a bit of reflection, planning more PD, reading and wondering how we can support the educators who meet young people each day.