Striving To Reach Every Talented Child Ashley Kitzerow & Heidi Williams
"Why set limits to what our children can do?"
Why do we need to educate our children differently?
Due to our ability to access technology on demand, students are continually learning! Teachers no longer hold the encyclopedias, microfiches, and content knowledge that made learning possible; it is now asynchronous, differentiated and unpredictable. Those who enjoy playing digital games are now interactively strategizing and collaborating with players from multiple countries. Access to apps such as BrainPop allow for the acquiring of new knowledge and/or skills on car trips, to and from soccer practice, or even on Sunday morning in PJ's while doing handstands.
What can we do?
#1: Acknowledge: Learning occurs 24/7, 365 days, in all kinds of locations, and at different rates- including those who acquire information quickly and have a passion and interest in specific subjects and/or topics! If we continue to ask our children to be good at everything (reading, writing, math, science, social studies) and lock them into a learning "box," we will never allow them to explore and expand their strengths to find out what they are truly capable of!
Within the confines of a school building and classroom, our children will never be exposed to the plethora of ways that one can learn. We need to redefine everything and acknowledge that learning occurs everywhere and all the time. Focusing on extending learning, thinking and creating, is what our schools should be focuses on!
#2. Realize: Not everyone learns the same way...we need to cherish the differences we have and connect learning to how it best 'fits us' as a person!
Perspective Matters
ADHD
Autism
3. Change our system:
Computer science is about solving the world's problems. Students can contribute to helping the world each and every day. Collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking must be the focus!
Healthy & Happy
When 13 year-old Logan LaPlante grows up, he wants to be happy and healthy. He discusses how hacking his education is helping him achieve this goal.
Unschooling
While not all children can experience learning through physical travel, they can use technology to explore their world. This kind of learning allows children to develop their passions and talents without the confines of standardized testing.
CS4ALL
Most people view computer coding as a narrow technical skill. Not Mitch Resnick. He argues that the ability to code, like the ability to read and write, is becoming essential for full participation in today's society -- from elementary-school children to his 83-year-old mom.
My journey as an educator has been largely motiviated by my amazing mother who works tirelessly to support not just her own children, but ALL children. She is where I get so many of my technology integration ideas. So, I would be remiss if I didn't include a shout out to her amazing book. Look below!
Copyright and Trademarked: STRETCh : last updated 9/27/2023