Beyond the Silver Bullet

Beyond the Silver BulletWednesday, January 25, 12 1Good afternoon, folks. Thank you to the NMC and Larry for roping me into speaking. I’mexcited to see what the next 10 years will bring to the Horizon project.In my six minutes, I’d like to talk about what I’m noticing in the K-12 wild west; it’s afascinating time to be in education.

K12 HorizonReport AdvisoryBoardApple DistinguishedEducatorGoogle CertiﬁedTeacherThe GlobalEducationConferenceCoSNWednesday, January 25, 12 2Just to give you a quick idea of my perspective.... I wear a lot of hats. As a former classroomteacher and now consultant, I’m lucky to work with teachers, schools, and corporate entitiesaround the country. I love that I’m not silo’d; I learn from each place I visit and spread theword about the good things that I see in schools.I’m also known as a connector, hence the lariat. I use social media to connect and learn fromeducators all around the globe.

QUestionS How do we change the current national narrative to one that inspires and supports educators, students and and their families? Why do we expect technology to revolutionize or save education? How do we connect more teachers AND administrators?Wednesday, January 25, 12 3 So these are some questions that have been on my mind lately and I think are important as we discuss the future of the K-12 edition of the horizon report. • Our narrative around K12 education is negative, disrespectful, and uninspiring • Technology is not a silver bullet. Don’t look at it to save or revolutionize learning. • Innovation is unlikely to happen where there is no culture of risk taking. • Our educators are still far from being “highly connected”

Changing the Narrative to Show We Value EducationWednesday, January 25, 12 4

Wednesday, January 25, 12 5Have I lost my sense of humor? I think I speak for the thousands of teachers who, quitefrankly, are feeling beleaguered. Where’s the respect not just for teachers, but for educationas a whole? Our messaging and values are off.

“Most children dislike learning which explains why most kids younger than 1 are unable to read. Brush up on book-learning with today’s Groupon....”Wednesday, January 25, 12 6

“Knowledge is power, which is why locomotives run on burning encyclopedias. Chug towards new understandings with today’s Groupon....”Wednesday, January 25, 12 7

“Hitting the books is a good way to acquire knowledge, but a terrible way to settle an argument with a pile of pugnacious tomes. Teach young students to read with care with today’s Groupon....”Wednesday, January 25, 12 8

Wednesday, January 25, 12 9

Dangerously stupid! Kinda rude to both kids and teachers. Is this a reﬂection of today’s anti-teacher, anti-education mentality? Kids *do* love to learn, and there are a lot of talented and dedicated teachers who foster this love of learning.Wednesday, January 25, 12 9

Technology alone is not going to revolutionize education.Wednesday, January 25, 12 10Many in the education world are deceiving themselves if they believe this. We must helpothers to understand the complexities of schools. They are not corporations.

“Critics counter that, absent clear proof, schools are being motivated by a blind faith in technology and an overemphasis on digital skills — like using PowerPoint and multimedia tools — at the expense of math, reading and writing fundamentals. They say the technology advocates have it backward when they press to upgrade ﬁrst and ask questions later.”Wednesday, January 25, 12 11Why is this just about test scores? We are trying to focus using the wrong lens. The narrativeshould be about powerful, rich experiences with digital media.

Wednesday, January 25, 12 12I’ve also noticed in subsequent articles about Apple’s announcement this past week thatimply that Apple will save education. I’m thrilled about the new tools unveiled and amhopeful about changes to the textbook industry. To me, the big question with this, however,is:Will teachers, in some schools in this era of canned curricula, even be allowed to author theirown content?

Wednesday, January 25, 12 13

Technology Plus.... Better learning environments Informed pedagogy Strong relationships Resourceful leadershipWednesday, January 25, 12 14This past week, I’ve visited about 10 Chicago Public Schools, ranging from selectiveenrollment schools to isolated neighborhood schools. The conversations in these schoolsserved as a reminder to me that these best practices are at the core of successful schools.

Urban schools face challenges that are probablyunimaginable to the general public.Wednesday, January 25, 12 15This past week, I’ve visited about 10 Chicago Public Schools, ranging from selectiveenrollment schools to isolated neighborhood schools. We need to remember that there areschools that are absolutely struggling to keep it together. Technology may not be theirbiggest priority.One friend that I interviewed says that her school has had to wrestle with serious disciplineissues in previous years, and for kids who aren’t connected at home, checking email andgrades is more attractive than engaging projects.

Highly Connected Teachers AND AdministratorsWednesday, January 25, 12 16Finally, I’d like for us to expand on the call for teachers to shift. Not only do teachers need tore-examine their practices, but administrators do as well.

“The Highly Connected Teacher” Data Resources Each otherWednesday, January 25, 12 17Where are the decision makers in this? Why are we not learning more from each other? Howdo we help educators see beyond their silos? There are thousands of teachers currently usingsocial media to connect in the most creative ways, yet this is often not legitimized by thepowers that be.Last year, I did a workshop for school leaders participating in a special leadership program ata midwestern university. Out of 60+ educators, only 1 was using Twitter. Not that Twitter isthe be and end all, but it’s an indication of how these highly regarded teachers areparticipating in the professional world outside of their school buildings.

Looking Forward Deepen the report’s outreach Tell the stories of what works Engage all stakeholdersWednesday, January 25, 12 18The work of the Horizon Report is still relevant ten years later, and very much needed inK-12. The reality is, however, that not everyone has heard or truly understood what theReport stands for. Let us continue to spread the good word in new and creative ways!

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Beyond the Silver Bullet

by Lucy Gray on Jan 25, 2012

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Beyond the Silver Bullet — Document Transcript