"You must do the thing you think you cannot do" - Eleanor Roosevelt
I can't believe my Advanced Technology course experience is nearing the end. However, I get it. This independent experience marks the beginning of my 21st century skills learning within and outside of my career pathway.
http://webclipart.about.com/Where do I begin to capture this 4-month learning experience? I never imagined your course work would take me down this road of learning. When I first read your syllabus and saw the title " Advanced Technology," I panicked because I felt it should have been titled "Basic Technology!"
Your course work design modeled 21st century problem-based learning -- authentic experiences that required the integration of Web 2.0 tools. Now, I know that the "advanced technology" course title communicated something beyond the basics -- it required that I leave the "city of my comfort" and embrace high standards learning.
All the experiences I encountered allowed me to research, create, question, design, collaborate and share the learning. I created my "personal learning environment." This experience also shaped my vision for our district-wide 21st century skill learning initiative. We have made great strides in this area, but collectively we have so much more to tackle to ensure all our students, teachers and administrators are immersed in high standards 21st century skill learning PreK-12.
My personal experience and learning products will be shared with administrators so we can continue to move our district forward at a rapid pace -- Time is of essence for our students.
I am reading Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools by Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum -- a resource all administrators need to read and discuss. I will also share 21st century learning leadership on-line course work we should consider including in our 5-year individual professional development plans. We will also need to take a closer look at e-portfolios as a way of organizing student learning. A long-term goal would be for me to meet with our state superintendent to share ideas regarding a state initiative for district curriculum directors that would be aligned with Strickland's 21st century educational framework.
Personally, now that the course requirements are complete, I will revisit my Web 2.0 Tools to continue to network. I'm in search for curriculum directors that are as excited about 21st century learning as I am at this time in my life.
Students will be the the driving force for 21st century skills learning. Administrators and teachers must take risks without fear of failure. We must have the "courage to be imperfect" as we connect to new learning that is unlike anything we experienced throughout our careers.
At times, I got caught up in the logistics. I continue to experience difficulty with saving files and the FTP -- Why? I don't know. Then I stop to think of the learning products I developed, and I smile and tell myself - "This is the learning you need to celebrate!"
I hope the above narrative captures my learning. The answer to the question: Were you able to meet your goals ? My response is a resounding "YES!" If it wasn't for Nouraddine, I would not have had you as an instructor. Marian, sincere thanks for meeting me at Bob Evans! Although your world has been filled with challenges, you kept the doors open for others to learn and embrace the unknown.
