Is our formal, upper level education system part of the problem?

Took some time off, but I'm back now inspired and ready to move ahead!

Inspired by all the technology for education I have discovered through Twitter and social media, I decided to take a college course titled “Introduction to Technology for Teachers”.  While hind sight is always 20/20, I should have looked into the class a little more before attending.

I anticipated being introduced to things like Class Dojo, Live Folders, Google Plus, or even Twitter. To my dismay the course included nothing of the kind.  I was taught about Power Point, how to build a newsletter and a teacher webpage.  I was introduced to Web Quest and C-Palms, but nothing new.  This college level course really did nothing for me, and I was sadly disappointed.  This class failed to introduce me to anything I would call extremely useful.   

The failure of this class leads me to poses a question;  Is our formal, upper level education system part of the problem?  I took this college level course in hopes of being introduced to revolutionary new products and programs to help me in the classroom.  Instead I was shown the finer points of programs that have been in use for a decade.   So then, how can educators be expected to be “cutting edge” when our formal education systems haven’t caught up yet?

While pondering that question, I have another for you; it is the responsibility of primary educators to prepare our children for college and beyond, shouldn’t our colleges provide educators with the best tools available to do this?  In my class I was shown how to use Power Point.  Don’t get me wrong, I learned some new things about the program, but I feel Power Point is yesterday’s news.  So where do we turn to get up-to-date?

Personally I have learned more from links provided by those I follow on Twitter.  I have been introduced to some amazing programs such as Remind 101, Class Dojo, and We Video (along with countless others) through links on Twitter.  I have watched videos about using Green Screens to make videos, and sharing Google Docs through contacts on Twitter.  In my one month on Twitter (for free) I have learned more than in my 12 week class (that I paid $325 for).

Our education system is at a crossroads.  We must learn to adapt to the changing world.  We have technology available to us that we would have never dreamed of ten years ago.  Technology will continue to improve and will not wait for our education system to catch-up.  Refuse to accept the status quo!  If your administrators give you grief, show them technology’s potential.   Get ahead of the curve, your students will thank you for it.  Many fear that educators will, in the very near future, no longer be required.  Children can (and will) learn everything they need to know in the comfort of their own home through the internet.  Is that what is best?  Is that what we want? 

So here I sit, an unemployed teacher...

So here I sit, an unemployed teacher, inspired yet disconsolate, wanting to use my life experiences to educate and inspire kids, any kids, to unlock their potential.  I have had three interviews thus far, but it seems administrators are not willing to take a chance on a first year teacher.  I completely understand especially given the fact that well over 100 teachers applied for these positions.  So I trudge on, doing the only thing I know how…preserver!

As I wait for the next opportunity I find myself dreaming of time when I finally do get my opportunity.  I have so many visions of things I would do in my classroom that I sometimes find it hard to sleep.  I play out classroom scenarios in my mind, fine tuning them, just waiting for the right time.  I see lessons about the cloning of the Woolly Mammoth and what it would do to the Eco-System.  I see PowerPoint Slides, I see dioramas, I see inspired learning, and most of all I see fun.   I dream about inspiring kids about science through things like Steve Spangler’s Sick Science.  Using quick but amazing science demonstrations to peak the kid’s interest then pushing them to explore further, perhaps develop their own science experiments.   

I want to explore the world with my students, reaching out to my contacts in Japan, Germany, Korea, and other countries.  We will share our daily routines exploring the differences in our cultures and how the size of the world has shrunk since the invention of the internet.  We can share pictures and blogs expressing our interests while reaching out to others to join our conversations.  I see using technology to its full potential bringing information into the classroom and opening the minds of the students.

I see math becoming interesting as we explore Kahn Academy.  Using the tools available to instill the basic skills of mathematics into the young minds, then allowing them to grow at their own pace, surpassing the standards if they so desire.  Imagine a 4^th grade child taking on the challenge of Algebra!  Anything is possible!

I also see a community being brought together through the school.  Using blogs and other social media to keep the community involved in what our school is doing.  Peaking community interest will increase community participation and provide much needed support.  All too often members of the community are unaware of what is going on in the schools.  By opening the doors, through social media, we can allow community members to see the good our students are doing.

I see so much happening, but alas, it is but a dream of mine, for now…