“Without deep reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people.”
– Albert Einstein –
– Albert Einstein –
As noted by Physicist Albert Einstein in the quote above, we inherently figure out that we exist for others. Spouses exist for one another. Parents exist for children. Children exist for parents. And as educators, we exist for learners. Since our existence for others is a given fact that should be concluded by reasonable folks, the only variable becomes the nature of our relationship to those others for whom we are existing. Do we exist to control, manipulate, dominate, or rule over others? Or do we exist to share, serve, and sacrifice for others? It seems to me the aftertaste of one’s education depends upon whether they were shepherded or merely herded; nurtured or merely driven to market.
The entire structure of education has been top-down so long that new technologies are introduced at the top first. One course I recently took entertains the notion that elementary level students could engage in new tech-based learning arenas which would prepare them for their unknown future. I believe education needs to reverse the emphasis on introducing innovations at the top. Rather, we should introduce innovations at the elementary level and allow the students to grow with the changes. I tested this by teaching low SES, dual language K-5 students how to Podcast when they didn’t even know how to power point (Tech Camp, 2009). Can you imagine their excitement? Can you imagine what their reports will look like when they reach high school and beyond? Why wait until they get to the upper grades to unveil the standard fare of everyday internet engagement? Podcasting, blogging, social networking, 3D discovery, and more is the norm but we teach elementary students the applications we used in the ‘90s.
Within 10 years, our nation could be transformed if we would turn this behemoth of an institution around and get our sights set on the right way to reach the goal. I believe the system can be re-engineered, not by turning it inside out but by simply turning it upside down.
References
Encyclopaedia Britannica Films (1945) What is a democracy? Retrieved 6/17/09 from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngtq6VM6t84
McPheeters, Dallas (2009) Tech camp curriculum. Available online at
http://gobears.uniques.com/Go_Bears/Tech_Camp/Tech_Camp.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngtq6VM6t84
McPheeters, Dallas (2009) Tech camp curriculum. Available online at
http://gobears.uniques.com/Go_Bears/Tech_Camp/Tech_Camp.html
(posted 7/1/09)
