New Learning MOOC’s Updates
Being an Educator in "Interesting Times"
This Learning Module analyzes three pedagogical paradigms which we call "didactic", "authentic" and "transformative". It traces the ideas outlined in Chapters 1, 2 and 8 of New Learning, by Mary Kalantzis and Bill Cope.
Understanding these educational traditions matters as they are woven into everyday classroom practices. Many classrooms use a variety of these approaches. Educators should know the power of each, its historical and cultural purposes, when to deploy it, how it works when it does, and when it fails learners and society.
Video Mini-Lectures
Supporting Material
- Peters on the Knowledge Economy
- Political Leaders, Speaking of Education [Nelson Mandela, The First President of Post-Apartheid South Africa]
- Political Leaders, Speaking of Education [Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese Opposition Leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate]
- Political Leaders, Speaking of Education [Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate]
- Political Leaders, Speaking of Education [Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan]
Comment: Mention a stand-out idea, or new thought prompted by this material. Use @Name to speak with others about their thoughts.
Make an Update: Find a contemporary text of political rhetoric or public policy that sets social objectives for education (a video, a quote from a written text etc.). Comment on the substance (or lack thereof!) in this text.
One stand-out idea from this material is the potential for integrating AI with human decision-making processes to enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. This collaboration could lead to innovative solutions that neither humans nor AI could achieve independently. I'm curious what others think about the potential benefits and challenges of such a partnership between AI and humans?
I found the discussion on educational paradigms very insightful. One idea that stood out to me was the notion of transformative education and its impact on fostering critical thinking and empathy. It made me reflect on how we can integrate these practices into our curriculum. @JaneDoe, what are your thoughts on implementing transformative education in a diverse classroom setting? @JohnSmith, have you seen any successful examples of this in your teaching experience?
All the articles emphasize the transformative power of education in driving social progress, fostering individual empowerment, addressing systemic inequalities, continuous learning, and growth.
The perspective of Aung San Suu Kyi, as framing individuals as learners and non-learners is intriguing. I resonate with her point of view that learning is a lifelong journey that not only involves intellectual development but also emotional and ethical growth. One of the goals of learning should be to empower individuals to contribute positively to society and make meaningful differences in the lives of others. The multifaceted benefits of investing in education and its indispensable role in shaping the future of individuals as well as communities and nations is undisputable.
Queen Rania emphasises the fundamental link between health, nutrition, and cognitive development. She underscores the importance of prioritizing health interventions as a means of addressing inequality which is the result of poor linguistic and cognitive skills, that directly hamper the foundations of learning.
The concept of education as a cornerstone of openness and reimagining education to better align with the needs of our changing educational landscape is the need of the hour. Emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, are essential skills in the 21st century and the coming future. Education should empower individuals to become active participants in the creation and propagation of knowledge, fostering a culture of innovation. Unlike traditional economies we need to move to a new age of learning where we provide opportunities to individuals, societies, and economies to harness intellectual capital and innovation. Education should not be seen through the lens of merely acquiring skills and qualifications, but as a catalyst for fostering critical learning, creativity, adaptability, open thinking, collaborative learning, – the essential attributes of a knowledge-based society. The importance of lifelong learning is another idea that is pertinent in enabling individuals thrive amidst far paced technological advances, global uncertainties, and evolving economies. Re-evaluation of traditional metrics to encompass broader indicators of knowledge and learning and success.
The mismatch between traditional education systems and the evolving needs of the society calls for reforms that prioritize quality and inclusive education, innovation, adaptability, and technological literacy.
Here is a relevant excerpt from a speech by former U.S. President Barack Obama on the importance of education:
In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity - it is a prerequisite for success. And that's why it will be the goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education - from the day they are born to the day they begin a career.
This excerpt from Obama's speech highlights several important social objectives for education:
1. Preparing students for the global economy and job market. Obama emphasizes that knowledge and skills are the most valuable assets, underscoring the need for a high-quality education to ensure economic competitiveness.
2. Providing access and opportunity. Obama states that the goal is to ensure every child has access to a complete and competitive education. This speaks to the objective of educational equity and making sure all students, regardless of background, have the chance to succeed.
3. Lifelong learning. The reference to education from the day they are born to the day they begin a career suggests a focus on comprehensive, cradle-to-career educational pathways.
Overall, this excerpt presents a substantive and compelling vision for the role of education in promoting economic prosperity, social mobility, and equal opportunity. The language is clear, the objectives are well-defined, and there is a sense of urgency and importance placed on achieving these educational goals. While one could debate the specific policies needed to realize this vision, the core social objectives articulated here are quite compelling and well-grounded.
As both a student and a teacher, I have experienced firsthand the recent changes in the nature of education, particularly with the rise of virtual/online teaching and the integration of AI technologies.
As a student, I've found virtual/online learning to offer increased flexibility and accessibility. With the ability to access course materials and participate in discussions from anywhere with an internet connection, it has become easier to balance my studies with other commitments. Additionally, AI-driven tools like adaptive learning platforms have personalized my learning experience, allowing me to focus on areas where I need the most improvement.
On the flip side, virtual/online learning can sometimes lack the sense of community and engagement found in traditional classrooms. The absence of face-to-face interaction with classmates and instructors can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnect. Moreover, while AI can enhance learning by providing tailored feedback and resources, it may also raise concerns about privacy and data security.
As a teacher, I have embraced virtual/online teaching as a means to reach a wider audience and deliver content in innovative ways. Through webinars, online tutorials, and interactive multimedia, I've been able to create dynamic learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles. AI-powered tools have also helped me streamline grading and assessment processes, allowing me to provide timely feedback to students.
However, virtual/online teaching comes with its own set of challenges. It requires instructors to adapt their teaching methods and strategies to accommodate the digital landscape, which can be daunting for those unfamiliar with technology. Moreover, AI technologies may not always accurately assess complex assignments or provide the nuanced feedback that students need to thrive.
In conclusion, while virtual/online teaching and AI have undoubtedly transformed the educational landscape, they come with both benefits and drawbacks. By leveraging the strengths of these technologies while addressing their limitations, we can create more inclusive and effective learning environments for students and teachers alike.
As we know , Education and pedagogy play critical roles in modern society as they are instrumental in shaping individuals' intellectual, social, and emotional development. And I was impressed about this lectures, In modern society, pedagogy should reflect the changing needs and demands of learners and integrate innovative tools and technologies. It should promote student-centered learning, foster collaborative and inquiry-based approaches, and accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities. And all these modern society needs are part of education and pedagogy
Teaching is a science, an art. It is a workmanship in that educators should bring themselves completely into their instructing. You will need to discover the methods and strategies that work best for you as a teacher. Instructors are not normalized items. What works for one educator may not work for another. Hence, all the instructing procedures that you learn ought to be embraced and adjusted to accommodate your specific showing circumstance and your own educating style. To be a powerful educator you should cut out your own showing reasoning and find your own exceptional abilities and figure out how to utilize them.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the development of distance learning and online education. Students and teachers were forced to adapt to new technologies and methods of teaching via the Internet.
The use of technology: Educational institutions have become more active in introducing technology into the educational process. This includes the use of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, adaptive platforms and other innovations.
Adapting to the needs of the labor market: More and more educational programs have become focused on specific skills and requirements of the labor market, which helps students better prepare for their future careers.
teaching is a multifaceted role that requires both artistic and scientific skills. Viewing it as a vocation underscores the personal calling that many educators feel, while recognizing it as a profession emphasizes the formalized standards and responsibilities that come with the role. Addressing challenges such as undervaluation and underpayment is crucial to ensuring that teachers can fully dedicate themselves to the art and science of education.
Teaching as an Art and Science
Discussing teaching as a vocation and a profession aligns with the reality that teaching is a widespread and significant role in society. The note about undervaluation and underpayment raises awareness about the challenges educators often face.