In a Nut Shell

Summarizing what I've learned throughout this course is a big task. Even though the course was relatively short, the content of the course was abundant...in a good way! To begin with, I evaluated the different factors of education which consist of social, political, economic and cultural issues. What sticks in my mind the most from this topic is that of cultural diversity and how demographic shifts impact everyone. In week 2, the topic was Teachers as Change Agents. A teacher must wear many hats. In designing the collage of a flexible teacher of the future, we show her with big ears to really hear what's going on, four arms to multi-task, different thoughts and images in bubbles above her head and most importantly a big heart for compassion in understanding the differences between students and their learning styles. Learning about Technology as a Catalyst for Change was an intensive topic as there are so many ways to examine how technology can affect teaching and learning. Accessibility to technology seems to be a big problem throughout homes and schools. If children are to be expected to know technology, they have to be trained properly and given the necessary tools to be creative. That is why I chose the proposal of using technology and literacy to enrich students through specific programs for my Make A Difference project. With regard to the types and ways a school changes, I learned that Charter Schools actually receive public money but have been freed from some of the rules and regulations that apply to public schools. I also never realized that Charter Schools "specialize" in the arts or math, or how quickly they can be closed down for financial reasons leaving students with little options on where to go or return for education. This last week states "Finding the Way to the Future". I find that this statement is a reflection of the journey that educators have taken and must continue to revolutionize. Teachers are the Agents of Change who must use the opportunities afforded to them to differentiate instruction. As educators, I learned that we must be diligent while allowing the young divergent thinkers to retain their creativity.