Ruby’s Blog

I have just read a blog by Annie Agnew entitled “Some thoughts to ponder”. My favourite quote was the one by Tom Peters. It read:

I imagine a school system that recognizes learning is natural, that a love of learning is normal, and that real learning is passionate learning. A school curriculum that values questions above answers…creativity above fact regurgitation…individuality above conformity.. and excellence above standardized performance….. And we must reject all notions of ‘reform’ that serve up more of the same: more testing, more ’standards’, more uniformity, more conformity, more bureaucracy. Tom Peters Author ‘Re-imagine’.

I think this is an inspiration and motivation to beginning teachers like myself. It gives us a sense of hope of what can be achieved by us and other teachers in the future.

I just read Scott’s blog about second life. This virtual world sounds interesting and I think it would be a great experience for school students so long as it is a safe environment.

I just read Maria’s blog called “Professional Development goes Online”. It is in response to an article from The Australian entitled, “Teachers on learning curve”. I also thought it was a great article because it was from the perspective of other more experienced teachers. Teaching definitely does not entail the same job description as it once did! We are no longer the sole source of information that gets passed on to out students. As the article states, we are now facilitators of learning that must ensure safe learning and direct students to appropriate research and resources.

I just read a post from Miriam Meaney’s blog entitled “Australian Teachers “Tops” at integrating technology”. I think exposing students to the use of ICT at school does benefit and assist them, not just while at school but also later on in life. For this reason, I agree with the article “Australian Teachers get top marks for inspiring use of ICT” in the idea that students should be established computer users and should be exposed to different forms of ICT throughout their school life.

Looking back at my own school experiences, I did not have much exposure to ICT or even to basic computer usage. I felt that this made it much more difficult when I entered university and suddenly had to use it for everything! These experiences have taught me that the incorporation of ICT in my own teaching practices is crucial if I want my students to succeed.

Image: ‘Sham K Rang‘
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83582442@N00/2230441918

In response to Tania’s posting about teens and technology, I agree with the fact that while students aren’t afraid to have a go when it comes to technology and computers, they are very afraid to participate in class discussions for fear of being wrong. That makes me wonder if we are placing emphasis where it is needed? Maybe we shouldn’t be pushing so much technology onto students before we can teach them to be confident and think for themselves.