Tech Tips & Timely Tidbits
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Tech Tips and Timely Tidbits by Heather Loy is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Continuing Education?
Cathy Nelson wrote a post today that touched a nerve, not with her original topic “What’s in a name?” but with the following comment:
“…“teacher” in today’s world has come to imply that the learning is done, and it is now someone else’s (students) turn to learn. I wholeheartedly believe it is (in the words of Bud the teacher) pedagogical malpractice to stop learning if you work with students.”
It has become obvious to me that many media specialists and educators seem to stop the learning process once they obtain their degree/jobs. Oh, they will do the mandated requirements to keep up their teaching certificates, but they don’t take the time to become true “life-long learners” especially when it comes to their own profession.
I could go into a long rant listing all of the excuses I hear for not attending professional development both on their own time and through district, state, or national programs, and why I feel they don’t hold weight. — And I did, but realized that my post had too much negativity where my goal is to be more positive this year, so I deleted it! — Instead I’ll just counter any and all excuses with the fact that many educators, media specialist, and leaders in education seem to find the time to continually educate themselves and they all have the same hours in the day, family commitments, workloads, scheduling nightmares, etc.
What I believe is that it all boils down to commitment and compromises. What is important to you and what are you willing to give up?
For me, Instead of watching TV every evening or going into town every weekend to see a movie or visit family and friends, I’ll take online tutorials or learn a new Web 2.0 tool. I’ll alternate reading a book for enjoyment, such as the latest Nora Roberts or Dean Koontz, with professional blogs, journals, and books. (Although, I’ll have to say that my professional learning network has become more interesting to me than the latest bestsellers.) I’ll plan into my budget professional dues and conference fees that my school cannot cover, and maybe I’ll have to do without that new blouse, or latest DVD, or take my lunch this week, but to me, furthering (and many times just keeping up with) my education is more important. Most importantly, the people I serve, my students, teachers, and community, deserve for me to give them my best and not just the bare minimum.
Okay, stepping down from my soapbox. Let me just add that I challenge you, to learn one new thing each month. It doesn’t have to be anything huge or involved. Just try reading one professional book/magazine/blog; explore one Web 2.0 tool/software/technology of your choice; attend a professional group meeting related to your subject; or any number of things that will improve your knowledge. Need suggestions or help, just ask me. That’s why I’m here!
July 20th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Excellent! You don’t sound like I dragged you kicking and screaming into the fray!! Just kidding–glad to know my brainwashing techniques work…
You are right–once you develop a network of learners, they become more important than any tv show, and brown bagging it doesnt seem to bad afterall.
NECC 2009 is in Washington DC–a VERY doable drive of 7-9 hours north (hoping gas prices do not rise, b/c that is how we will go next summer.) You can stay out in the suburbs and very economically, and stay near a metro, riding the train or bus in each day. I’d also like to see you bite the bullet and go with me to Educon 2.1 this year–the one in Philly. Well worth the cost, and i did it or just under $500, splitting that cost with school.
Bud the Teacher has really resonated with me with his manta no learning is pedagogical malpractice for educators. It is true, and it is a shame so many have fallen prey to complacency in regards to their own learning.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 am
Great comments. I like the way you try to balance out your life with different things. You alternate with different things and I think that is important.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:58 am
@Cathy – I’m very interested in going to both NECC and Educon, but will have to see about dates, cost, etc. I have a very limited budget, both in time and money. I’m already committed to EdTech and SCASL, so adding more conferences during the school year is going to be tough. And with money as tight as it is, both for me and the school, I try to go to as many free workshops/conference/training as I can.
@Pat – Balancing options – Isn’t that what life is really all about? A series of choices we make everyday.
July 10th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
[...] Continuing Education [...]