Learning in the times of COVID-19

As we enter into another period of remote learning, we've had time to consider the impact of the Term 2 experience and have reached the end of another reporting period for students. This time students, teachers and families have a clearer idea of what's ahead of us.

During this time there is no shortage of professional discussions in which to be involved. They are worthwhile learning and exchanges of ideas. One such webinar I attended included a discussion of Cognitive Load Theory and Design Learning. It's time to look closely at students and their learning environment.

The conclusions of Psychologist, Andrew Fuller were particularly worthy of discussion. He suggested we need to listen to the students who are thriving and give them a voice. Why do many of them like the new arrangements of remote learning?  He suggested the processes we put in place in the coming months will stick.

Pathways to future learning he proposed (with caution) were:

1. Retention of some model of remote learning. Some learning will be asynchronous.

2. Increased brevity of instructional elements. The exploration of ideas is more important than the provider.

3. Platforms we’re using today will quickly become out dated.

4. Current university selection criteria will be reviewed. There will be higher levels of participation online.

5. Interdisciplinary learning – there will be more linkages between subjects.

6. Personalised learning will come into its own. Character strengths will be important. Here is a chance for teachers. Less mob think and tribalism.

7. We need to help people become design learners.

8. Importance of cultural competency. Ethics of common issues and focus on values.

The overall message that came from the webinar - When nothing is certain, everything is possible.

We need to work smarter on a new way of learning.

Individual learners - The Future of Learning

This week, as the first week of the new school year in Australia, I've been introducing the Year 7 student intake to their learning space on the college network, activating their accounts and setting them off on their digital citizenship journey in this stage of their education.

The overwhelming impression one has after working on this routine but semi-complex task with 239 students over such a brief time frame, is the range of students in our classes.  Students who are relatively the same age, because that's how we manage schooling, but vary so broadly in abilities, interests and potential result on the NAPLAN testing they will undertake in the coming months.

Perhaps it was this week's experience that made me look closely at the following infographic published in OnCUE, the journal of CUE - Computer-Using Educators, that arrived in my mailbox yesterday. Titled A Glimpse into the Future of Learning, it provides a forecast into 'a diverse learning ecosystem in which learning adapts to each child instead of each child trying to adapt to school'. 

We have already commenced the journey. This infographic provides an overview that is worthy of a discussion with colleagues.

Student ICT leadership - Tapping into the Talent

Presented at the ELH Conference, Lorne, Victoria, August 2013, this presentation shared the journey of the iSupport Team at Mazenod College since its inception in May 2012.  

The premise of the iSupport Team builds on that fact that students are the largest group of users of technology within any school, representing a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, yet their voice is largely unheard in relation to ICT planning and deployment.  Formation of the iSupport Team in 2012 has given Mazenod College students a voice.  It has brought like-minded students together under the umbrella of a shared passion for technology and a willingness to act as mentors and guides to others.  The Team provides a network of students across the school identified as ‘ICT experts’.  Students who can assist teachers in the classroom or on a one-to-one basis; support new staff and students; provide feedback to the IT Department, inform college families about safe use at home and coordinate the introduction of gaming experiences such as Minecraft within the college.

Inspired by the successful GenYES program and its president Sylvia Martinez, the iSupport Team is a service model of leadership whose members support the growth of digital literacy skills and confidence in the use of technology by all members of the school community. 

Lead by the Year 12 iSupport prefect and senior students, the Team meets fortnightly, and between meetings keeps in touch via social media.  Tapping into this talent at Mazenod College has been an empowering experience for all involved.  Students have gained an authentic role representing, not only their own peers but all members of the college community.  As they discuss, translate and transfer knowledge and ideas about the technology in their daily lives its more than an information process, it’s empowerment.