In chapter 9 of “Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools,” the authors begin to paint a picture of the “new school.” This idea seems almost utopia-like for teachers who realize the importance technology holds in the education of today’s children. The book suggests a curriculum database of sorts. Since no two children or classes are alike, teachers can pick and choose parts of various curricular programs that they feel would best benefit their students. It would work as “pay for what you use” system. This would benefit students because it could be changed year to year or even semester to semester. This idea would also benefit districts as well. By allowing their teachers to choose what is best, they are not pouring money into curriculum sets that sit on a shelf and collect dust.
On top of that, teachers from all over the world could participate in a file-sharing system. Teachers (and even preservice teachers) could begin writing and submitting lesson and unit ideas and sharing chunks of information with other teachers. This is collaboration as its best! Teachers helping other teachers grow. It would also help teachers’ self-efficacy and encourage them to contribute their knowledge as well. More than anything else, teachers would begin to feel important and helpful to education as a whole. More and more every day, it seems like teachers are told what to do and not given an opportunity to show what they do well.
Could this be the change teachers have been looking for? Could we all join the textbook committee?
Amanda, Wouldn't it be great if all teachers could join the textbook committee? We could create a textbook which would enhance students learning, from the struggling reader to the Austic student to the smartest student in the classroom. The textbook for the teacher could incorporate technology for all of the students to engage them in wanting to learn. Web 2.0 tools could change the way which textbooks are written, instead of having a hardback book, they would be on e-Readers, and all students would be able to use this technology to learn many content strategies.
ReplyDeleteAmanda it would be great if teachers had the opportunity to pick and choose what that use. You are so right, no two students are the same, yet we are required to use the same curriculum for all students. Many times I sit in frustration while I watch kids participate in programs that are too hard for them, but teachers must adhere because "the County said so." Giviing teachers the opportunity to collaborate with others from around the world is an awesome idea. Maybe if not all teachers could sit on the textbook committee, then maybe a vairety. We need teachers who teach strugglers and Special Education students to represent on these committees, maybe that could be a start for a change.
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