A New Culture of Learning
Chapter 1:
Quote: “The boards give you information that doctors just can’t, either because they don’t know it or don’t have the time to tell you about it.”
Question: In the first chapter, it stated “the forums are not intended to substitute for visits to the doctor, and dispensing medical advice is strictly prohibited. Why can’t others offer medical advice? I can offer someone medical advice in person if they aren't well, but why not on the internet?
Connection: I love this quote from Tom’s story, as it sums up a lot about having internet access. While the posts or forums we have access to aren't always the most valid information, the information can be found and the best way is by communicating with others. With the advancement of the internet, one can communicate with millions anywhere in the world, at any given time, about a particular subject of choice. In this case, Tom was researching his diabetes.
Epiphany: I have avoided using google communities. Instead, I have been asking my fellow students who are in the Masters cohort at HSHMC their opinion in person. I have six poeple at HSHMC that can help me, however there are more students and staff that can help if i choose to post on the google community. I am a fool and now realize that I need to be more active in the forums and boards, as not only will someone help me, I may more importantly help someone else.
Chapter 2:
Quote: “Boundaries serve not only as constraints but also, oftentimes, as catalysts for innovation. Encountering boundaries spurs the imagination to become more active in figuring out novel solutions within the constraints of the situation.”
Question: So if no boundaries were given in a classroom, learning would be hindered via open exploration, as the student has not been restricted and forced to find a solution for academic freedom?
Connection: As soon as I read this, this quote made me think of Seven Survival Skills . In my survival skills, i relate to Tony Wagner, saying that the next generation of learners needs to be able to critically think and solve problems. They need to think outside of the box.
Epiphany: When I was reading this chapter, I couldn’t help but be thankful that HSHMC is a blended learning school. From the start, HSHMC has been active in integrating technologies into the classroom, supporting the teachers and offering the latest learning methods to hopefully interest the students. Thus, the culture of the school from the first day was integration of technology. From some of the board meetings I have attended and speaking to other teachers from various schools, they are experiencing a high level of difficulty in integrating technology into the school. The change in culture is tough to implement.
Chapter 3:
Quote: “The belief that most of what we know will remain relatively unchanged for a long enough period of time to be worth the effort of transferring it.”
Question: How or who will decide what is worthy of keeping and what needs to be discarded and no longer be taught? Might this create a different type of gap?
Connection: In The Global Achievement Gap, Tony Wagner states on page 31, “What goes on in the classroom today is the same stuff as fifty years ago, and that’s just not going to cut it.”
Epiphany: All the focus is pushed towards incorporating technology into the classroom. Also, what students are learning isn't relevant to the current demands of society. The main goal is to close the Global Achievement Gap and give everyone a better balanced education. I just worry, while this is a great concept, what will happen to all the people who learn trade skills and don't go to college. Plumbers, Mechanics, Carpenters all had opportunities to take these classes in high school. These days, these types of classes are cut and funding is used for the integration of technology. Maybe this will open up a new Global Gap.