BP06_20091202_AntiTeaching

I am exhausted by both the truth and the lies people tell when they try to facilitate change. It is without any reservation that I agree with ideas presented in the the article, Anti-Teaching/Confronting the Crisis of Significance, written by Michael Wesch. I work in a district that says we need to start to close the achievement gap and we will make a start by implementing change. The change is supposed to include integrating technology into every classroom. The picture is a sample of the last posting for the district regarding technology training for teachers. HA, HA, I say. I need so help interpreting how we "the teachers" are



supposed to update their own technology skills and learn innovative ways to engage their students with technology.

This is last posting that was made available to the teachers three years ago. The technology that existed then is now where? No training or technology has been provided to the teachers of this program. I was fortunate enough to attend. The same teachers are the ones in my school who complain about having to use and open district email.

I am sympathetic of the amount of boredom students of this technology era have to be faced with for six hours out of each day. As Wesch points out, in his expedited time theory, students have changed and teacher must address the needs that resulted from this change.

As a learner and teacher, I am excited with the potential of learning the new technology that is available. As you feed me, I feed my students. I can?t close my doors. Students flock to me all day. I?m arrogant enough to believe it is me, but the truth is I am implement all of the resources from Garner theories of Multiple Intelligence, Brain based learning and especially articles like the 7 things you should know about PLE?s. My class has kind of morphed into a PLE and it is shaping itself. I am fortunate to be in the same situation as the teacher in Wesch's article. It is fun being excited about the unknown and awaiting a brilliant finish. Again, I am a learner and facilitator at the same time. I give what feeds the students, not what I was previously taught.

Integrating technology and its resources works for the 120 students that I touch daily. Technology itself is not enough, it is the attitude of change, creative, critical thinking that must facilitate the technology. Our teacher have the technology, but the fear of student interest driving the class intimidates and stagnates our teachers. If I could pilot a program, each teacher would have to pair with two students to create the years curriclum. I would love to participate in one of the sessions. One requirement would be integration of at least 3 Web 2.0 tools, and 3 online textbooks for content. Other things of course but what could the three create? A new world as suggested by Wesch. My biggest research findings for this blog come from my own experience. So I will reference myself and my students that are" having the time of their lives". This is a direct quote.