I feel we are in very exciting times in education!!!
We are at the threshold of change. But with that, comes many questions, such as, "How do I teach, when what I know about teaching has shifted and changed?" "How do I empower and engage students in authentic, inquiry-based, self-directed learning?" "How do I be a catalyst?" I am the curriculum coordinator for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools in Alberta. In my role as coordinator, I want to infuse technology to engage learners.
I am reminded by my sons (17 and 21) that they are digital natives and I am but a cumbersome newcomer. This was echoed in the voices in our schools, last year when we spoke to over 750 students about engagement, learning and technology through focus groups. The message was clear. We don't have to tear down walls, just let the students pursue answers to real and relevant questions using the digital devices they already own with the information that is readily available. Their words challenged me to make a difference.
I am honored and excited to embrace the PLP challenge to work in collaboration with the many colleagues in North America. I am humbled by how little I know and what I can offer. But I am eager to learn, to be inspired and to envision something new!!
Brenda MacDonald
I feel we are in very exciting times in education!!!
We are at the threshold of change. But with that, comes many questions, such as, "How do I teach, when what I know about teaching has shifted and changed?" "How do I empower and engage students in authentic, inquiry-based, self-directed learning?" "How do I be a catalyst?" I am the curriculum coordinator for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools in Alberta. In my role as coordinator, I want to infuse technology to engage learners.
I am reminded by my sons (17 and 21) that they are digital natives and I am but a cumbersome newcomer. This was echoed in the voices in our schools, last year when we spoke to over 750 students about engagement, learning and technology through focus groups. The message was clear. We don't have to tear down walls, just let the students pursue answers to real and relevant questions using the digital devices they already own with the information that is readily available. Their words challenged me to make a difference.
I am honored and excited to embrace the PLP challenge to work in collaboration with the many colleagues in North America. I am humbled by how little I know and what I can offer. But I am eager to learn, to be inspired and to envision something new!!
Skype: brenda.macdonald47
Delicious: bmacdonald47
The principle goal of education is to create men and women who are capable of doing new things not simply repeating what other generations have done.
Jean Piaget.