The changing face of education
Due to the rapid and ever evolving advancements of technology, learning spaces of the 21st century are networks of diverse connections. Learners are no longer being directed along a lineal path for the purposes of finding a career. Because, quite simply, as Ken Robinson (Ted, 2006) points out , the careers of students today have yet to be created. The challenges facing young people as they become adults are more complex and demanding than ever before (Bentley, 2012) Therefore, in order to equip our students to be future global citizens, lets become educational innovators, lets rethink and adapt our pedagogical strategies, make changes to our classroom and school spaces, adopt forgotten, and explore new, cultural approaches, whilst immersing ourselves in e-space connections. We will address the challenges and strengths of: learning in the e-space; personal learning journeys and the influences of the liminal space; learning experiences both in and beyond the classroom; and cooperative and collaborative cultural approaches.
Understanding our Learners
In order to effectively implement progressive and meaningful teaching and learning programs we must first have a deeper understanding of who our learners are and how they are influenced in today's global society. Watch the video opposite and consider challenges and advantages for teachers and students in the 21st century. Go to google page and record your thoughts.
Then take the Multiple Intelligence quiz and reflect on your learning style
YouTube (2014) 21st Century Learning. Presented by Scott Crombie. Retreived from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0RyaAsVNGU
Personal Learning Journeys
Now consider your own personal learning journeys. Are you a self-directed learner? Are you capable of self-motivation? What is your self-efficacy in learning in the digital age? How do you approach professional development opportunities?
As life-long learners and educators we have a common desire in building professional equity that keeps us up to date and informed on current practices. Key to successfully growing in our personal learning journeys is having a strong self-efficacy in performing digital learning tasks. Building digital self-efficacy leads to:
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Positive attitudes towards engaging with technology and online learning.
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Increased use of digital actions in planning and problem solving.
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Higher levels of understanding information through ICT
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Choosing appropriate independent courses of action
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Positive online peer engagement
(Prior, Mazanov, Meacheam, Heaslip, and Hanson, 2016)
How do you build self-efficacy? What motivates your learning? Take our personal learning survey by clicking the button below.
Opportunities for self-reflection, self-motivation and self-dierected learning
As well as self-efficacy effective learning relies heavily on the ability to self-reflect on teaching and learning experiences, and to take responsibility for our own personal learning growth. We must challenge ourselves to critically question and wonder about other ideas and approaches, we must seek out and learn from alternate experiences and knowledge and we must adapt and modify as we grow and learn.
Self-reflections lead to self-motivation and self-directed learning. In the e-space we are surrounded by opportunities for self-directed learning that can be self paced and personalised to individual learning needs. We have online video tutorials, Department of Education and Training (DET) online learning modules, and online tertiary education. Other options for self-directed learning are classroom action research projects and school based mentoring programs. Our only challenge is making the decision and setting aside time! Create your own access and setting, surround yourself with a support network, and reap the rewards.
A place where your valued input, meets a knowledgeable cohort, for the collaborative purpose of dveloping ideas and learning (Smith 1996)
Why believing in yourself matters (Cherry, 2016)
You may be challenged in your self-efficacy by limited digital literacy skills or lack of access to technology. Your attitudes may be challenged by negative experiences. These challenges may be over come by positive and active involvement with community groups, library associations, like-minded people, collaborative websites, social media and researched readings.
We are not alone.
Connecting to others allows learning journeys to grow through connecting to the knowledge of others (Smith, 1996) The e-space affords learners the opportunity to work and learn with others in creative and informed collaborations (Smith, 1996)
