Pedagogical Changes in Education

Pedagogical Changes in Education

Ready or not here change comes.  When change is on the horizon or staring you in the face you have the choice to run and hid and act as though it isn’t happening or stand and face it head on with gusto.

Will Richardson brings up the point that educators need to embrace and understand changes in technology and the read write web before they will be able to bring it into the classroom for their students.  I agree that this is necessary because we are never able to teach what we do not know.  Having the opportunity to experience the Web 2.0 is giving me an appreciation for the power of the system and the process necessary to use it.  Teachers need to opportunities to experience the read and write web in professional learning communities which are very constructive in the same way they will be asking their students to collaborate and create with others.  It’s a great way to develop new skills and have a chance to practice those skills in a safe environment of peers who are doing the same.  The supportive connections that are made through collaborative groups adds to the interest and desire to continue to learn and grow.

Publishing for a real audience adds an element of authenticity and purpose to writing.  This different style of writing requires both the creator and the receiving audience to be critical consumers of ideas.  These ideas can be presented in a variety of ways and is not limited only to text.  In order for me as the recipient to respond I must become a critically participatory partner in the process.  The payoff is that by getting and giving feedback on the published creation everyone involved learns and comes away with more skills and knowledge from having participated.  It feels wonderful to feel that your ideas and thoughts are being heard and to have others comment on those observations.