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.
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.
It's useful to consider eLearning's history in order to comprehend how it assists companies today. In 1999, Elliott Maisie used the word eLearning for the first time in a professional context. Since then, eLearning's reputation has only grown more positive. But why has eLearning grown to be the preferred method of instruction in modern times? Among these elements are:
The Internet - Before the internet became widely used, many people depended on printed manuals, CD-ROMS, and other constrictive training and learning tools. Organizations may now use the adaptability of eLearning instead of one-dimensional techniques because to the growth of the internet.
Multimedia development - As eLearning developed, the capacity to incorporate components like photographs, videos, audio, and graphics proved to be a key factor.
I first experienced the change in education as a student as I was in a university that promoted education by active workers, academic teachers and teacher-researchers. This combination allows me to learn from both theory, actual practices and an open view on the future.
Then as a trainer, I realized pretty quickly that the classic learning method would not be sufficient to properly engage people in a real change to enact what they learn. Thus I progressively evolve towards a more engaging approach using serious games and collective workshops. I also followed this learning as a coach to help them really apply the new learning in their day to day in autonomy.
Now I used the Training from the Back of the Room approach to step back and focus on an autonomous group of learners with consideration for everyone's individual needs.
The new learning is a powerful way to not only explain something but build a cohesive group that will gain knowledge to understand and continuously explore knowledge.
Education is not only explaining things and teaching skills but mostly the first step to create a lifelong learner.
The XVI century french philosopher Montaigne stated : Je préfère une tête bien faite qu'une tête bien pleine (I prefer a well-shaped head to a full one) to emphasis the need to prepare children to learn all their life and not accumulate knowledge.
Simon Sinek follows this idea by talking of education as an infinite game nat must not focus only on grade but prepare child for next challenges using the strength of the group
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO4l5XpOc-s
Comment : Blending authentic and new learning
As classic learning is fading away and is less and less adapted to our fast moving world, I find difficult to make a hierarchy between authentic and new learning.
- Authentic learning is about motivating and engaging, targeting children.
- New learning is about using the strength of the group to help learning.
I think we can use both together, and in both context. And we have plenty of evidence of it.
In the vein of authentic learning, we can use (serious) game to boost learning (1, 2). In fact, we can reverse the classic logic study / practice : we can start by experiencing and then going to lecture based on experience raised through the initial practice.
Motivation and engagement is best done in group. We can use collaborative games, group debrief to foster motivation between classmates instead of the classic relation trainer-trainee.
(1) : See for instance training from the back of the room : https://bowperson.com/ ;
(2) : Gamification is identified as a motivation strategy : https://www.efrontlearning.com/blog/2019/09/ways-motivate-employees-train.html ;
So true @Christophe. I experienced multiple autonomous group learning together and it has a much greater impact compared to a classical teacher-students class.