Philosophy

Educational Philosophy. My educational philosophy has changed over time. It used to include hands-on learning and exploration. Well, it still contains those same learning processes. It’s just slightly different. I firmly believe that education today should include innovative technology. Why? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer science related fields will be strong for the next 8+ years. Now, that isn’t a claim that they will no longer hold strong after that. Their data has to close out at some point as it gathers new information. Basically, all tech-rich fields are strong for the future. Period.

I have three defining questions that shape my vision.  Here they are:

For some of you, your childhood included these tools:

Image credits: Garmin, VHS, phones, discman.

And, today, they are obsolete. Think about that. They are no longer sold or used any more.  Gone. That will be the future for the tools our students work with today. Tools they use today will be obsolete. Outdated. Gone. Replaced by something new.  When I think about that, I feel the responsibility to:

Anyone can write. Anyone can do math. Anyone can run the mile. I want students to code, think creatively, create video content, construct 3D builds, work with robots, construct unheard of things, take tours in VR headsets, and interact collaboratively online. That is what they will do in the future. Their thriveability (I made that up) hinges on their exposure to revolutionary ideas. Ideas for tomorrow. Not yesterday’s practices. Not yesterday’s tools. Tools of the future.

Tomorrow? Tomorrow is skin guns, micro-chipped contact lenses, 3D printed organs, and flying cars. That’s the tomorrow our students face.

Image credits: skin gun, 3D printed kidney, contact lens, flying car#1, flying car #2

Are we preparing students for tomorrow using tomorrow’s technology? Or are we preparing them for yesterday using yesterday’s technology? In my opinion, we are obligated (as teachers) to prepare students with skills that will help them thrive 20 years from now. What foundational skills can we equip them with so they can master that next wave of technology with adequate preparation/knowledge/skill/curiosity?

Are you nervous? Here’s one idea: departmentalize. Who can you departmentalize with? Share the load. Take on something that’s manageable. In my opinion, teachers are required to teach a lot: history, character, math, science, reading, grammar, writing, technology, and digital citizenship. Just my opinion. Why not teach less more often? Teach the same lesson twice. Half the research. Half the prep. Just a thought. Find what you’re good at and teach that. Share the load. If you don’t love technology, maybe that co-teacher does. Everyone gets tech that way—every child that is. Take a tech nerdy teacher to lunch and see if they want to co-tech with you next year (all 60+ kids) share the day. Share the load.

Stay curious,
Melissa Culver