Print
EmailA recent meeting with a former boss resulted in a thought-provoking conversation on the need for change in education. Technology is a common love for both of us. We marveled over the rapid changes that the Internet has brought to our world and also commented on how the Internet’s late entry into our own lives (versus its ubiquitous presence in our children’s lives) has given us a unique perspective on the use of technology. We pondered the resistance or lack of enthusiasm that we sometimes face when advocating the use of technology in education.
I would like to leave you with some food for thought from some inspirational thinkers. First, I was very influenced by the TED Talk given by Salman Khan who has developed a revolutionary approach to teaching math. On a more global perspective I found equally thought provoking an interview of Sir Ken Robinson and Joel Klein (former New York Schools Chancellor) discussing “The New School.” Lastly, I came across a Carnegie Melon initiative to help high school students learn English. What do these three have in common? All of them deal with the need to cater to the individual student and engage the learner.
Need I mention that all three pieces of information came to my attention via Twitter? I have to end with a parting plug for Twitter as a professional development tool. Check out my own reading list on Twitter @lyddiebird.
