Embracing Change

With the semester coming to a close, our class has been asked to reflect on the following quote: "The illiterate of the 21st century will NOT be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn."

This quote brings to light the fact that the world is constantly changing. Technology, research and the changing dynamics of our society require us to be flexible citizens who are open to continually learning new material/methods etc, so as to better meet the needs of our world. One only needs to look at the medical field to fully understand this. We do not use the same methods/procedures etc to treat people medically as we did fifty and even twenty years ago. I have heard that the best dentist is the one who just left medical school, because they are equipped with the most up to date information.

In terms of education, teachers must continually open themselves up to new material/information and implement these in their teachings. If you look back at your schooling, you will appreciate this sentiment. If I think back to my schooling, I can remember when we used the old green screen Mac computers, and we were taught all the coding required to get into the programs. By the time I was in grade 5 and 6, new computers had been brought in and it was a new system. I can also remember taking several classes when I was in grade 2 and 3 to learn how to use the card catalogue in the library - now all of this information is computerized and quick and easy to access. Teachers and students had to unlearn the previous way of using computers and learn the new way. Technology and the introduction of internet to the 'regular Joe' requires people to be flexible and welcome to change. We are now teaching our students more word processing and how to use the internet much earlier than we had previously. Presently, schools are working to equip their classes with 'Smart Boards'. Teachers are attending in-services to learn how to not only operate this tool, but to do so in an effective manner. Concordia has a component of their lesson planning class dedicated to the use of the 'Smart Board', something that was not there three or four years ago. The hope is that if the newer teachers know how to operate this tool, they can go into the schools and teach the teachers. This requires everyone involved to be open to this new technology and adapt their teaching.
In summary, this quote does not simply apply to technology. It also applies to the changing needs of the classroom, such as the inclusion of special needs and ESL children. Teachers need to be open to these students, learn how to effectively interact with them and lead them to success. Someone who is not open to change will become stagnant and this is dangerous not only for those who interact with that individual but also the individual. We all need to be working on continually bettering ourselves and our world.