August brings with it a sense of newness in schools. We like new-ness. It is part of the reason people buy so much stuff. Used stuff just isn't nearly as much fun or enjoyable as something new. The newness of the school year brings excitement and anticipation. As educators, this cycle of newness and growth (both physically, spiritually, and academically) in our students is rewarding to watch.
As we enter the 2010-11 school year, I anticipate an exciting year at both our campuses. For TCIS, the future of the new DTV campus is getting closer as the buildings are beginning to take shape. We continue forward with great momentum in effectively integrating technology into our learning environment, although it will mostly be with our existing equipment this year. At GSIS, the school continues to complete the outfitting of teachers and students in a technology-rich environment that rivals the best in Korea. The growth of technology integration into classrooms is amazing to watch and shows in the digital media constantly being displayed on the web by both staff and students.
As we embrace the newness of the school year, may we also reflect on how we can invoke new strategies to improve learning. No matter how many technology gadgets, bells, or whistles we have, it is the learning in the classroom that is the focus. We have to keep the main thing the main thing. (Don't let the new look of my blog distract you from the journey we are on.)
Thanks Darren. I am excited to read your entry, especially in the light of the TCIS senario of NEWNESS! Eventhough we have "old" equipment - (so to speak in tech terms), your post prompted the thought of "newness" of instruction within the classroom. Taking the "old" technology and creating new learning opportunities is imperative. Teachers in the English Dept. were considering the value of blog assignments introduced into our curriculum 3 years ago. Are they still relevant? Have changing trends outdated our curriculum? The BIG question: should we be doing wiki's, facebook, twitter, weebly's and the list goes on...
ReplyDeleteOur final thoughts were: 1)Technology is a handy tool (whether average or cutting edge) but the effectiveness of teacher instruction continues to be paramount to successful education.
2) If we as educators strive to be progressive thinkers / learners in the world of technology and underpin our educative aims & objectives with sound teaching strategies; then success is ensured.
3) Finally relevant curriculum for our English students is not only seen as Literacy in English but we also have a duty to encourage computer literacy among our 21 st Century learners.
Any ideas about how to stay relevant in technology and curriculum would be welcome!
Thanks Darren for bring current issues to the table!
In Christ,
Chantal McAllister
TCIS.