Thanks to Jennifer Chan (@jennzia) for our current voicEd.ca writing prompt. It’s a good one, I believe, on a few levels. First, in asking us to consider something about our current system of education that is serving us well, it forces us on to a different track. No matter what direction your political views lead you, talking about school reform almost certainly pits us against the status quo. You can’t talk about change without talking about something that needs to be changed!
Yet, from time to time, I believe it’s important to step back, take stock and understand that, despite our most passionate desires to be around when we finally get things right (right, from our own perspective), many of us must to continue to live and work each day in the school communities that we are attempting to change. This poses challenges of its own, and metaphors abound to describe this experience. You likely have your favourite.
So, the prospect of separating the baby from the bath water is an important and welcome opportunity.
For me, the answer to the question about what is serving us well may come across as being a little flippant. But when I say that school is the thing, I mean that the idea of, and the commitment to, a distinct, separate and dedicated space for learning continues to be important and essential. In a world where distributed networks, online courses and social media are held up as the new movers and shakers in the reform movement, the maintenance of the idea of a physical space that is open and accessible to all for the express purpose of teaching and learning is very important.
We can talk more about what that space actually looks like and who occupies it at any given time, but I believe that, as we push further along that continuum that connects the real with the virtual, let’s not be seduced by the prospect of eliminating the physical schoolhouse.
School buildings are a tangible reminder to the community that education and learning are important. They stand as strong symbols of both equity and inequity, holding the vision of the former firmly in front of the latter.
School buildings honour the importance of connection and relationship, and understand that both are important in the learning process.
Despite an ongoing struggle to remain so, physical schools stand as unbranded institutions in a world that strives to mark and claim absolutely everything in the name of someone or something.
While I dream of someday working in a physical learning space that my parents would not recognize, for Monday, I’m thankful that we have maintained a commitment to the importance of the space that we have. I can imagine powerful learning connections—both real and virtual—beyond the walls of my local school, but I can’t imagine those walls being torn down and distributed throughout cyberspace.
So for me, my first response to the question about what is serving us well would have to be this very place called school!
As the asker of the question, I am curious to see where the responses to your thoughts go. As you know, I am a believer and advocate of learning spaces and how they can shape and define us. The structure of school, as a symbol and a system, are often brought into question and as the world becomes more fluid and learning happens more outside the structure of school through digital worlds I am excited by the opportunity to re-imagine where learning lives.
I think, we will always have a need for a space where learners come together and share learning, what that school looks like might still be a figment of our imaginations.
Jenn
I think the physical space where students learn develops more then an understanding of a concept or a math equation. I believe there is a very important social learning aspect to meet both other students and a teacher physically. It helps to develop a persons social skills and discover what is socially acceptable and unacceptable in interacting between people.
The internet allows much anonymity to happen. In a video game, even a 12 year old boy could act as the most mature individual in a game or the rudest. However, in some cases, the way people act when they can remain anonymous would change if they were looking the opposite party in the eye. A computer screen and that lack of physical engagement allows a lot of internet users to change their personality and act however they wish. Even in a virtual classroom setting, without a threat of real physical engagement, the same tendencies could be adopted (even on a lesser level).
The classroom is a necessity for social engagement. While virtual classrooms give better access to those that can only access an education through them, in my personal belief, I do not believe the classroom environment will be replaced by a virtual one due to the social impact a physical classroom has on individual growth socially.
Interesting discussion thus far. I believe in the power of the two worlds, both physical and virtual. The need for collaborative learning spaces in multiple environments helps students to engage fully in their learning.
When I was younger, once I left school, guidance from peers or the teacher was almost non existent. Now, my students are connected through our website (http://fabulousgradefour.weebly.com), a class blog (password protected) and learning to email one another and myself if any questions arose.
They use the blog as a common question ground and a place to write similar topics while reflecting on others with stars and wishes. As a teacher, I even connect the blogs within my language curriculum… bringing the learning full circle while the students brim in excitement over the issue…well…. let’s just say we huddle around in anticipation to hear who has made journal of the week on our website.
Although only my first year completely emerged in the two worlds, definitely some kinks but very rewarding for all.
Looking forward to what next year will bring and making mental notes for some very interesting changes!!