Monday, March 29, 2010
1:30 PM-5:00 PM
Abstract:
Teachers, learning environments and students of the 21st century are vastly different from those found in the 20th century. Neo millennial students have always known an electronically media rich world. Digital age students have high comfort levels with e learning tools i.e. computers, internet, gaming devices, and smart phones. Digital age highly qualified teachers need to be able to implement student centered, problem based learning experiences utilizing the e tools that populate the world of today’s students. Participants in this workshop will explore new technologies and pedagogies for 21st century teaching. As a result of the experience, participants will develop an action plan for integrating digital age teacher education into their programs. A learning community will be established for participants using social networking tools to support the implementation plans and model 21st century collaboration.
Objectives:
Digital age technology integration into teacher education programs is essential for the development of a new age of teachers. Teachers who understand inquiry instruction, can provide learning in context in environments that are vastly different from traditional learning environments. Brain research supports learning that is dynamic, knowledge that is naturally acquired in the real world, and supports inquiry. Information in today’s world is available everywhere, mobile devices such as smart phones, net books and science smart probe ware offers an opportunity to provide deep learning environments in context. Students are becoming “free agents” in accessing their learning outside of the school context. Teachers need new skills and new tools to meet this challenge.
Participants will be challenged to review their current teacher education programs to identify areas where Web 2.0, hand held devices, and multi-featured teaching tools such as interactive whiteboards can be integrated into their teaching.
Participants will analyze their learning environments to identify points of integration for digital age tools and pedagogies.
Workshop outcomes
Participants will develop an integration action plan for new technologies and pedagogical approaches into their teacher education programs.
Participants will work in teams to develop their “Digital Age Teacher Education Plans”, by the end of the workshop, participants will share their “plans” utilizing “new” teaching tools and approaches. The presentations are to model the changes the presenters intend to make in their schools.
Participants will become a part of a “learning community” for digital age teacher education change. Throughout the year, participants will have the opportunity to network with each other in regard to their implementation progress.
Outline:
I. A Changing World of Education
- 21st century pedagogy
- Critical Thinking Theory / Inquiry
- Neo Millennial Learners / Learning Styles
- A picture of the New Type of Educator / teacher education
II. New Tools New Possibilities
- Hand held devices - smart phones, net books
- Interactive white board technology
- Virtual gaming and simulations
III. Developing an Action Plan for Change
- Exploration of change issues / challenges
- Gaining support of colleagues
Prerequisites:
Participants will be challenged to review their current teacher education programs to identify areas where Web 2.0, hand held devices, and multi-featured teaching tools such as interactive whiteboards, smart phones, net books, for example could be integrated. Participants should be teacher educators who have an understanding of teacher preparation and professional development. No particular technology skills are necessary as the skill building will be a part of the workshop experience. An understanding of basic computer skills and web based research and use of search engines will be all that an individual would need to have to be successful with the workshop.
Intended Experience Level:
Beginner
Instructor Qualifications:
Dr. Kathryn Smith, Professor
Instructional Technology
Minnesota State University - Bemidji
Sample Professional Activities:
Apple Distinguished Educator - 2000 to present
Director, Circles of Learning PT3 grant 2000- 2004
Program Coordinator Association of Teacher Educators Technology Committee for 21st Century Classroom - National Conference 2005 to present
Workshop provider for: Association of Teacher Educators (Smart Phones for Educational Change), NECC (Web Based Teacher Education: Using Google Resources to Support Teacher Education Courses) and SITE (iMovie)
“Impact of National Curriculum on Technology Goals” presentation, Oxford Roundtable, Summer 2008
Web page: http://www.epsilen.com/ksmith