Robyn’s innovative and open approach to the use of cellphones in her classroom is evident of her desire to use the tools available to her pupils to teach them more effectively. The recent call to ban cellphones from schools in South Africa (a short-sighted and, quite frankly, ridiculous call) by the National Association of School Governing Bodies elicited a great deal of response in the media. With emotional responses on both sides of the argument, it is good to see a piece of balanced journalism from China Network Television who recently visited Robyn’s school to see how they were using mobile phones as a tool for learning.

I wonder how the National Association of School Governing Bodies would respond to this?

Well done Robyn!  You are an inspiration to your fellow-educators. Thank-you for being a difference-maker!

I could not help wondering as I watched these academic professionals perform their hearts out in music, dance and song, how many other professions would happily give many, many extra hours of after-hours time to prepare costumes, decor, sets, practise lines and perfect dance steps so that they could perform in front of 300 people (many of whom may be unknown to them) for three nights running with no extra remuneration other than the applause of the audience and the knowledge that they have contributed to a greater sense of esprit de corps.

One must remember that this was done in addition to the ongoing responsibilities of lesson preparation, marking of assessments, extra-curricular activities such as sport coaching, parent meetings and all the other responsibilities inherent in teaching.

I salute the Sweet Valley Primary staff and all other teachers who continue to give way over the expected time and effort they are paid for in order to improve the school experience for pupils, parents and community.

From the “I Know I Keep Saying This But I Just Can’t Stop Dept.” comes yet another example of how out of whack our language is when talking about what student learning should be. In this long,celebratory piece from the Las Vegas Sun today we learn that students at a Nevada charter school have had their learning “transformed” at the Explore Knowledge Academy, the state’s first iSchool. And the path to transformation? The iPad, of course.

“The world has changed; the expectations in the workforce have changed,” said Abbe Mattson, EKA’s executive director. “You can’t even work at a McDonald’s without using a touch screen. … If we don’t change how we teach, it’s a disservice to our kids.”

Grrrrr…

In the six months since its technology infusion, EKA has become a model of what the classrooms of the 21st century might look like in Clark County.  Although some students found learning to use the new technology challenging, most took to digital learning immediately, Mattson said.  “It’s like second nature for the students,” she said. “They’re open to trying this and they’re used to this multimedia access.”

Students use the iPads to access educational websites and applications as well as electronic textbooks. They use the iPad to take notes and the tablet’s camera to photograph whiteboards filled with teacher’s lessons and chemistry formulas. Some even record lectures using the iPad’s digital voice recorder or video camera, referring to them when they review for tests.

“I love them,” eighth-grader Alexa Freeman, 13, said of the iPads. “They’re super fast and easy to use.”

Wow…

And, finally…wait for it…

Educators say the potential payoff of this digital education is enormous, even though it’s still unproven if this nascent technology will increase student achievement. Educational games and visual applications attempt to make learning fun and keep students’ attention, which should translate to better test scores, teachers say.  “If you can get kids engaged, they’ll learn,” Mattson said. “These iPads will help get kids engaged.”

Learning = better test scores. And so it goes…

Look, I know that this here blog has not been all happy, happy lately. I know my cynicism is seeping through more that even I would like. I know I need to get focused on the good, seriously transformative things that some “bold” schools are doing, and I will, I promise. Really.

But I also know that if we keep allowing stories like these to set the bar for change, we’re shortchanging our kids. It’s yet another example of conflating teaching and learning, of not fully understanding the shift to self-directed, personal learning that technology and the Web support. Transformation in this sense means shifting the balance of power to the learner. And I know that starts way before we put a piece of technology in a kid’s hands. But with that power, the technology becomes a much richer, more valuable tool for learning.

I just feel like we have to keep calling this what it is: old wine in new bottles.

Original article

Let me be upfront and say that the school I lead has embarked on an iPad in the classroom project in one of our grades and we are walking the road slowly with constant evaluation of its effectiveness. We have bought 25 iPads to be shared amongst the classes in the grade and have regular evaluation meetings with the grade teachers to review how the iPad is being used and to share lesson integration ideas. I am a school leader who believes in embracing technology where appropriate but not simply for the sake of being trendy!

Let’s be clear about this: A bad teacher remains a bad teacher when an iPad is put in their hands. Technology is not the key for a bad teacher – accountability and on-going training is the first step!

The Core Group recently uploaded a video entitled “Revolutionising Education: the iPad in South African schools”. This video shows several examples of pupils in varying school contexts across South Africa using iPads in their classrooms. There are some interesting interviews with educators and there is clearly some very good work being done with these devices in some of the schools. However there are some concerns as well.

In the video a teacher is seen to extol the virtues of the iPad in a maths lesson. She tells the viewer that the pupils can now count apples on the iPad and this is helping them understand the concept better. Please explain why this could not have been done without the iPad. Why not have the pupils collect small stones, bottle tops or something similar and bring these into class where the children could explore numeracy concepts in a concrete way? Do we need an iPad to do this? This teachers also mentions that absenteeism is reduced as pupils do not want to miss an iPad class. Imagine if her teaching in all her other classes was so exciting and ignited the imagination in new and dynamic ways, that her pupils did not want to miss her class regardless of what technology, if any, was being used…

I really like the Sacred Heart College approach of engaging their Grade 7 pupils in the creation of their own iPad apps. This seems to be a very forward-thinking and appropriate use of the technology – focus on creating not simply consuming! The learning is in the hands of the learners. I love the little guy who is the sound engineer!

The Key School for Specialised Education is obviously keen on the use of technology in the classroom for all the right reasons but what are they doing using the iPad as what appears to be a TV screen? Come on Core – give them a VGA adapter cable and a monitor on their wall! On the other hand, just use a DVD player if you’re going to be showing the children movies! The story of Reuben told by Dr Jenni Gous is a model story of what can be done with the correct use of the iPad. It is an inspirational story – well done to Reuben’s teacher and mom who have embraced this technology with an open mind.

Here is the video :

This video does not cover the good folks at Kragveld Primary who proudly advertise their school as the only one in the country using iPads from Grade R-7. Clearly they have not seen the video above! Take a look at their video here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THVvQIgN7g4

While I applaud their first steps towards a new pedagogy in their classrooms, I am not convinced that they ‘get’ it! The iPads are being used as a device to broadcast information in the front of the class instead of being a tool which engages the learners in a creative process. Yes, it certainly puts wonderful graphics on the screen and it certainly has educational value but it is not using the iPad to its potential as a tool for learning. Quite frankly, I am less than impressed by the quality of teaching and learning  put across in this video – a great shame as I believe the teachers at this school have an openness to new ideas and possibilities. I wonder what these folks could do with further training and equipping in the use of the iPad as a teaching tool. This Kragveld video leaves me a bit sad – they seem to be on the right path but stuck in a 20th century paradigm of teaching. Is this revolutionary teaching? I think not…

So then, is the iPad revolutionising education in South Africa? I don’t believe so. Is it being used in exciting and creative ways in certain schools? Absolutely! So now, the question is, how do we bring the schools which are using iPads really well together with those who would like to but simply don’t know how to?

The South African education system is in need of much more basic intervention than simply adding iPads to the mix – a true revolution of the education system will be when every pupil has quality teachers in decent school buildings lead by competent principals supported by effective departments of education. As much as we may like to think so, the iPad is not the answer quite yet!

Mostly technology in school offers an “illusion of modernity” – automating routine tasks like word processing, or watching a teacher having fun at the smartboard. If students do get online in school – it often involves viewing “filtered” web content with limited functionality.  Of course students need lessons in “digital hygiene.” But curating all their web content and interactions doesn’t teach them responsible use, it just sequesters them behind a firewall. “Suspicion invites treachery” ~ Voltaire

This quote is taken from an excellent blog post by Peter Pappas. The idea of schools creating an “illusion of modernity” is also true for teachers. There are many teachers who seemingly embrace technology without truly understanding the concept of 21st century learning. I fear that in many classrooms old paradigms are continued with new technologies.

Two things are needed if we are to avoid this:

1) An open mind

2) A willingness to learn new pedagogies which reflect the reality of the 21st century

1) Strong Bible-based teaching

2) A well-run children’s ministry

3) A sense of connection

The purpose of this post is not to debate church issues but rather to highlight the importance of communication and follow-through. At both churches we were asked to complete visitor cards which would allow the church to follow-up. We indicated to both churches that we desired further information about the church and would welcome feedback. Neither church has done so! However at one church we were given a complimentary coffee and biscuit and at the other we were told there was a visitors’ lounge where we could enjoy a cuppa.

Now, I’m not one to turn my nose up at a cup of coffee, especially if its free! However I would have expected an email at the very least from each church expressing a welcome and giving further information. What they need to know is this : Personal communication (and therefore relationship) is far more important than a free cup of coffee!

This experience had me wondering; what do we do as a school to ensure that community is built, personal connections are built and parents who show an interest in the school are followed up?

A speaker at a conference I attended a few years ago made the comment that schools are the new parishes. I believe this to be true as our society becomes increasingly secular. People need more than ever to feel connected in meaningful relationships, to be part of something bigger than themselves and to know that their contribution matters. Schools can play an important role in making this happen.

In fact, I believe schools should be making this happen. Initiatives such as community outreach in which families are involved, regular and open communication, parent socials and other strategies are important. Connected parents are loyal parents and the school’s retention of families will be higher than in those schools in which parents are merely seen as inconveniences.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation makes these points about parent connection in schools :

• When families are stronger, they are better able to support their children’s success in school.
• Schools are stronger when families are stronger.
• Schools have a distinct opportunity to work in partnership with families in ways that strengthen them.
• Communities benefit and are perceived to be strong when they have strong schools

Our school is fortunate in having a person on staff dedicated to the admissions process. She follows up families who have shown interest in the school, organises campus tours and ensures that the families receive a warm welcome to the school. Once the child is enrolled in the school the responsibility falls to the class teacher, principal and parent representatives to follow-up and ensure the family is connected into the school. This process is very important and I believe should be a priority in every school.

This issue is not simply a school one. Our society is becoming increasingly fragmented and our children are paying the price. Schools have an absolutely critical role to play in helping families (children and parents) find connection through meaningful relationships. This is not something we should only pay lip service to!

What is your school doing to connect with new and existing families? Please share your ideas in the comments.

Carpe Diem

There is a well known poem which begins:

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying:
And this same flower that smiles to-day
To-morrow will be dying

The poet, Robert Herrick, reminds the reader that time does not wait for anyone. The poem is in fact an encouragement to young women to get on with it and marry. Times have changed I certainly would tell our young ladies to be patient! However the overall message is one to young people to make the most of their youth and to use every opportunity it brings.

It is this poem which Prof John Keating, played by Robin Williams in the film Dead Poets Society, recites to his young students during their first English lesson of the year. He takes them out of the classroom into a passage where large cabinets filled with historical memorabilia and photographs stand gathering dust. Prof Keating tells his boys to look into the eyes of the young men in the photographs, some of which are obviously very old. He tells them that those young men also had dreams. They also wanted to make something of their lives. He encourages the boys to lean forward to hear the message being told to them by those young men in the photographs – As they lean forward Prof Keating says, “Carpe Diem lads! Seize the day! Make your lives extraordinary!” (See the clip here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQtmGcdSDAI)

That scene captured my imagination not only as a teacher but as a human being. It reminds me that every day I can make the most of the opportunities which come my way. It reminds me to work on developing new skills, to live each day with passion and meaning. When I focus myself on making the most of every opportunity I am able to grow and develop into the person I was made to be.

Let me offer three ways in which each of us can seize the day and make ourselves extraordinary :

1) Focus on others :
It is very tempting to become caught up in our own drama, our own difficulties, the struggles at work, the difficult colleague who seems determined to sow dissidence in the workplace, financial worries which make sleeping at night a struggle. It becomes easier to deal with these realities when we learn to turn our eyes outwards and focus on the needs of others. It is often when we do that, that we realise how fortunate we are.

It is the beggar on the street corner when you’ve complained about your poor salary, it’s the homeless man under a piece of cardboard when you’re dissatisfied with the size of your house, it’s the paraplegic in a wheelchair when you’ve moaned about a sore leg from having walked around a lot at work, it’s the infertile couple who have tried for years to have a baby when you’re beyond frustrated with your toddler’s tantrum.

Carpe Diem means : Stop! Take a look around you. Be grateful for what you have and be a blessing to others.

2) Find your passion :
Passion needs to be found and nurtured. When we find our passion, we develop confidence to try new things, we are more willing to take risks and we take the road less travelled by.

Passion cannot be faked. It is something which comes from deep within. It has its own energy which propels us forward to new and exciting ventures. We can discover our passion by pursuing that which keeps us talking until the late hours or the subject about which we want to read continually. We learn about our passion by considering those hobbies or activities that we already give hours to without complaint.

Carpe Diem means: Find your passion – pursue it and live it out!

3) Make your life extraordinary :
We tend to think of famous people as those who live extraordinary lives; those who live in the media spotlight as celebrities. While this may well be true, it is also true of the thousands of people who don’t make the headlines but who live lives of significance each day. These are those who diligently apply themselves to the improvement of the lives of those around them and who use their passion to make a difference to the world.

It is these people who live out the “Carpe diem”philosophy – making the most of every opportunity to realise their potential and use it to make the world a better place.

Carpe Diem means : I will be the best I can be and be a difference-maker in the world.

I believe that good teachers teach, great teachers inspire. What they inspire is a desire in children and young people to reach beyond their circumstances, to see beyond the obvious, to learn more about their world with an insatiable curiousity, to ask questions which to other may seem frivolous and most of all, great teachers inspire our children, the future leaders of our country, to seize every opportunity which comes their way to make our world (and theirs) and better place than the one we are leaving them. This generation of young people has the opportunity to seize the day – to grasp the challenges of climate change, to embrace new technologies in positive ways, to seek solutions to the vast difficulties of socio-economic inequalities in our country and on the global stage and to seek solutions for the many conflicts which beset our world.

To make this philosophy easier for our younger audience, here is a video which I would like to share :

So “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may; old Time is still a-flying” – go make your lives extraordinary. You can make a difference in the world!

God bless you all.

This poem by Taylor Mali is now a few years on and many have seen it. I still think it is outstanding and worth another listen!

Pupil: “I went to {insert name of another local school here}.”

Teacher: “You are so stupid to have wasted half your schooling at {insert name of another local school here}. Only idiots go to that school.”

This is unfortunately a true story…

It never ceases to amaze me that a teacher can be so small-minded and insecure in herself that she is forced to make this kind of comment in front of a class of 11 year olds. Not only is this a ridiculous thing to say, it also reveals an astonishing lack of professionalism. There is also a lack of judgement evident in what is appropriate to say to children and what is not.

Teachers such as this have no place in a classroom in a society in which we are striving to develop children who have the emotional intelligence to seek first to understand before judging others and who have the core value of respect for others. How many other teachers like this are in our schools today? Whatever happened to teachers being the pillar of society and those to whom our children turned for moral and ethical guidance in an often confusing world? Call me naive, but I believe its time to bring honour back into our profession.