Wow. I have always considered myself a "cityboy", but to teach in a 1:1 school might be the best reason to move to the Sierra's. The presentation I saw today was incredibly inspiring simply because of the amount of options we have when it comes to planning. Jon Corippo was funny, charismatic, and rousing principal for the Minaret Mustangs in Chiwanakee, California. A 1:1 school is set up so every student has their own laptop. The goal is to promote divergent thinking; students need to learn how to create and think critically rather memorization and regurgitation! I really like that they choose to foster all forms of technology rather than constantly battling with students over foolish rules of discouragement. If students choose to not apply themselves correctly the capabilities of their laptop change and become limited. They're teaching strategies are based on Marzano's techniques. They follow a convenient acronym C.A.S.K. which stands for Comparing, Annotation, Summarizing, and Key notes. I am a huge advocate for incorporating technology, but I am even more of a fan of Annotating. I believe that these skills are crucial for success in college and in LIFE! It also helps instill a sense of honesty when students are listening in class, doing research, working in groups, and learning for the future.
As
educators we need to determine what is relevant and important enough for our
students. We also need to challenge ourselves if we expect our students to
accept adversity and change. I also believe that society is changing at such a
rapid pace that we must prepare our students for that day. The jobs they may
end up with haven’t even been invented yet. Virtual work is increasing as work
in the classroom is decreasing. Today textbooks just don’t make sense, the
process should be obsolete, but we continue to justify high costs and out of
date material. Students need to learn how to become stellar and adaptable learners
for the 21st Century. The skills they master now are essential for their success in the
future.
