Stephen Downes blogs about these
23 Roles in a brief article that efficiently summarizes why this evolution has occurred in such a rapid time. Stephen describes the role of the teacher and states, "
From the sage on the stage to the facilitator and coordinator" and, it seems, the technology currently available definitely supports and, most probably, has encouraged that transition. By allowing this transformation in teaching to happen, by adapting to the changes that come with it, and by positively supporting students in this new environment, we are ultimately empowering students to take ownership in their learning and creation of knowledge.
I sure wish he would have expounded on those roles a little bit further. I agreed with most of them but would have like to hear his perspective on the others. Having taught now for 21 years, I can truly said that the role of educators has dramatically changed.
ReplyDelete21 years! Yes, I imagine you have seen a profound change in teaching. 21 years shows true dedication.
DeleteI also would have liked to have read more in detail about some of the ideas he had. The role of the educator will always be changing and it will never cease to stop. I have not been teaching for all that long and I can already see a change in the new teachers coming out of school compared to myself. It certainly is amazing how things progress and it just goes to show that OUR educations will never come to an end either.
ReplyDeleteYou are right - the definition of teaching and how goals are reached will continuously change.
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