Blog posts

 
8th August 2011

How to take one step at a time.
(towards 21st Century learning).

Let’s be honest.  I am a relative newbie to 21st century learning. Especially when you consider the likes of America’s  coolcatteacher and closer to home: Townesy77 and Bianca' s Blog.

Up until about 3 weeks ago, after a staff PD session on the Networked Social learner, I was using digital tools for mainly power point presentations, research, note taking and a handful of student videos for Drama and Religious Ed on imovie on my Mac. I also create and maintain a VIRTUAL CLASSROOM (scholaris). At home, I dabble in amateur photography and movie making, Facebook and surfing the net. 
I had tried Twitter a couple of years ago, but without realising I could utilize it for educational networking, the interest soon died off.  At the PD, Twitter, as a 21st century connection mode was explained.  Needless to say, I was right in and loving it! What a great way to source information! Twitter ‘s catch phrase is “Twitter is the best way to discover what’s new in your world.”..and I agree. Luckily for me, it coincided with an early birthday present – an iphone.  This enabled me to access the Net 24/7. Awesome! 

Now, as I alluded to, I was hooked.  A wealth of information, in the palm of my hand, via tweets from passionate educators from all around the world. Hence, the dilemma!  I was totally overwhelmed.  I was keen, eager and so, so curious.  How does one retain and organise all this information!  So.  I took some advice from a quote I enjoy by Maharaj Nisargadatta.

"to understand the currents of a river, (s)he who wishes to know the truth must enter the water."-
Nisargadatta


Where did I find this quote?  You will laugh. On a daily quotes and reflection calendar …in the toilet. OK. 
My Mum will have to take credit for that one. I still remember the quotes Mum had on the back of our toilet door as kids. One being “You cannot lead where you will not go and you cannot teach what you will not know.” (How apt!) 

I believe it is integral to actually complete issued assessments yourself so one can be prepared and understand the limitations and possibilities of the research and end product.  If I was to continue educating effectively and professionally in the 21st century learning environment, I felt I had to
“enter the water, to understand the current”. 
 Over the next few posts, I hope to share with you the start of my new journey towards 21st century learning (for both myself and those in my care!). However, as with most things, it is important to start small.
Take one step at a time.
Do something well. Be confident and then move on towards bigger, greater and increasingly exciting things!

My first step was joining Twitter.What was yours?
Step two , next post! 

Ps Maharaj Nisargadatta is a Hindu Guru whose main teaching/masterwork was based around the philosophical idea of “I am that”. It was a mantra. He felt the main question to ask yourself in life was
“Who am I”?

So, who am I?  A devoted and dedicated mother, wife, friend and an educator who strives to care, support, inspire and encourage others to continue their love of learning. 

Have an awesome week,
Jeannette

7 comments:

  1. My first step was also in joining Twitter but like you I joined up about 18 months before actually engaging with it. It wasn't until the 2010 ICTeach conference at Homebush that I truly realised its potential.

    Since then I have continued to build my PLN across Twitter, other social spaces and even IRL!!! I look forward to joining you in your journey along the river. Hopefully it runs strong and steady but in those times when it doesn't your PLN will always be here to support you!

    Happy blogging!

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  2. Well said! Thanks for your encouragement Megan. It is always nice to get feedback. Ta for taking the time to post- I will continue learning from you :))

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  3. I really like the idea of completing your own set assessments. In fact, I think you'll find affirmation in this post Teacher be a learner. It's my story of forcing myself out of my comfort zone and recording myself - something we ask our students to do. funnily enough, I was talking about Twitter.

    Happy Twitting and Blogging.
    cheers,
    Malyn

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am always pleased to hear about self improvement, especially by teachers. Life long learning is invigorating, awe inspiring and keeps us young at heart. My wish is for learners to exist in an environment which is welcoming, supportive, thought provoking and affirmative. Thanks for your comment Malyn.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Jeannette,

    I work with Interactive Resources team at TES iboard and I'd be grateful if you could get in touch with rowan.chernin@tsleducation.com

    Many thanks,
    Rowan

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