I was re-reading a recent post by George Couros (Is Change the True Barrier?) and began to reflect on some of the comments made directly on his site as well as those in the Twitter stream. The following comment by David Jakes really got me thinking: "Perpetual never-ending conversation about change is the barrier." As I looked more into the recent pleas for change in education I came across this video:
Talk is cheap (I do think this is a pretty good video though)! Those of us working in education today know what has to be done in order to reshape the teaching and learning cultures found within our schools that have failed to adapt to an evolving world. We need to lead the change movement through action instead of engaging in what seems to be never-ending talk about the "why" and "how" associated with the process. There will be roadblocks, none of which are insurmountable. Additionally, we need to share successful change movements that are sustainable in which marked improvements have been made to teaching and learning. This way can learn from successful models and adapt these strategies to our own unique educational institutions. What do you think?
I agree to a point. I believe we have failed to engage system leaders in the very important 'hows' and 'whys' of technology integration in relation to educational change. This dialogue is beginning to occur now in Alberta and is fundamental to the re-examination of core elements of the system (e.g. assessment/accountability, professional development). System leaders are thinking in new ways because the conversation has started and is igniting a need to act.
ReplyDeleteAlthough my comment just perpetuates the never-ending conversation, I'll leave it anyway :)
ReplyDeleteI am currently on a committee working to open a food co-op in South Philly. We have been meeting and planning and doing research for a while (about 8 months) and we've gotten to the point where we're wondering if we just need to 'go for it.' There comes a point when you get sick of talking about it and you want to see if all this talk will actually work.
My point: this is not an education problem alone. It's a systemic problem. It is scary to take a leap of faith, especially when people's jobs and money are at stake.
That said, I'm on the 'get your feet wet' team.