Too Much?

I am overwhelmed by information. The amount of information that is available to read and apply in classrooms and schools today is ubiquitous. The meaning in the dictionary is “present, appearing, or found everywhere”. Ubiquitous information on ubiquitous devices. What to believe? Overwhelmed? Me too? TV, computers, phones, tablets, garman, fitbits, watches - everywhere. Oh yeah, and Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and many others I don't even know. What is not ubiquitous is the notion that computers and other 'tech' are not the answer to learning. They are a part of the picture, for sure, but we need to be careful. 

In two recent articles, How to Prepare Preschoolers for an Automated Economy and Getting to Know Students Deeply, the authors highlight the value and importance of relationships. There are a host of small steps in these articles you might find that could be just the start you need to move technology from the 'why' to the 'what', or even 'how' in your classroom. What can computers do to enhance relationships? Relationships that make learning deep and possible? Think about ways to create space to build empathy and collaboration, dig into the stories of the people in your classrooms and schools. Learn about the stories of people who struggled and learned.

That's a lot! So what might a teacher, leader, learner to do? “Start close in”, in the words of poet David Whyte, “don't take the second step or the third step. Start with the first step” - knowing who you are in your role. Are you kind, empathetic, mean, miserable, stern, smiley? Do you know what your look and sound like when you enter a room? Do you know what you believe? Do you know that you are the difference in the classroom, school, and community?  You matter! In this age of ubiquitous information; it is you, the teacher and leader who guide us. Find the beauty you love in what you do, be the learner you want your learners to become!

Finding your way is never easy. Finding a tenacious community of support can be. I have found safe spaces in Circles of Trust and Courage to Teach. Many find spaces that honor the journey of teachers and leaders through their Intermediate Units (like ours at IU8) or membership organizations such as the affiliates of ASCD and AASA. Look for authors like Marina Umaschi Bers, Zaretta Hammond and their colleagues. Contact me if you are interested in learning more about how to build safe spaces for learners with or without technology!