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From Now On
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Vol 9|No 1|September|1999 |
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by Jamie McKenzie
"The Software Trap" has dominated school planning and thinking for too long and we have spent too little time providing the rich choices that would maximize adult learning. (The full text of this article first appeared in eSchool News and is now available in How Teachers Learn Technology Best) 1. Introduction to Word Adult learning concepts steer us away from the "software trap" to more customized approaches that emphasize informal groupings, support networks and choice. Each teacher selects a path or personal learning journey likely to match individual preferences for learning style as well as developmental readiness. We offer experiences tailored to meet the needs, passions, interests and desires of the teachers. Recognizing the "chasm" between early and late adopters (see article), we develop something for everybody. No more "one size fits all." Recognizing profound differences between "traditional" and "constructivist" teachers, we invent programs for each. Fundamental beliefs: 1) The learner may make choices from a rich and varied menu of learning experiences and possibilities. 2) Learners must take responsibility for planning. acting and growing. If we shift school cultures to support adult learning, professional development is experienced as a personal journey of growth and discovery that engages the learner on a daily and perhaps hourly basis. In the best cases, andragogy includes an emphasis upon self-direction, transformation and experience. One learns by doing and exploring . . . by trying, by failing, by changing and adapting strategies and by overcoming obstacles after many trials. Online Resources A Survey to Support Choice Before a district can hope to customize professional development offerings to match the preferences and styles of its staff, some kind of data collection is essential. Toward that end, From Now On makes available for free with this issue a 1999 version of the Technology in My Life survey.
Credits: The photographs were shot by Jamie McKenzie. Icons from Jay Boersma. Copyright Policy: Materials published in From Now On may be duplicated in hard copy format if unchanged in format and content for educational, nonprofit school district and university use only and may also be sent from person to person by e-mail. This copyright statement must be included. All other uses, transmissions and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. Showing these pages remotely through frames is not permitted. |