What if we had a 1:1 Newton Initiative?

When I started teaching in 2008, I inherited a number of tools once labeled "cutting edge" and some were even called "indispensable." Things like the overhead projector (who could possibly teach without one?) and the laserdisc. Throw in the zip drives and floppy disks (of the 5.5 inch variety, of course... although I've heard tales of larger, less capable floppies) and you've got a real blast from the past.

I'd often pondered the rate of technological change and what it means for education, but having read The Nerdy Teacher's recent post it made me think: What tools do I have now that need to be retired? What are we using now that will be retired in the near future, even though now we can't imagine teaching without them? What's coming later on?

The Obsolete:

- White Out (not because I don't make mistakes, but because I don't print anymore)

- Staples and paperclips (if I need to print something, it's probably really important, warranting its entrance into a three-ring binder or other professional-looking dossier)

- Post-its (nothing says "clutter" like small squares of paper all over my monitor and desk)

- Copy machine (Do we really need MORE paper floating around?)

On Its Way Out:

- Desktop computers (there will be a rare need for a desktop computer to perform tasks that tablets or laptops can't)

- Scanner (simply put: there's an app for that)

- Document camera (There are still a number of uses, so it's not completely ready to go, but mobile devices are catching up FAST)

- SMART board (you heard it here first, folks. This teacher-centered instruction mainstay won't be here much longer.)

- Attendance software requiring manual input (Praise your deity of choice...)

On Its Way In:

- Internet-connected mobile devices (incl. cameras) for every student and faculty member

- Location-based attendance and/or scan-for-attendance (possibly including facial recognition or fingerprints?)

- Truly paperless environment (distribution, completion, submission, assessment all without needing Ctrl+P)

- Explosion of modeling/AR/VR environments bringing a new dimension (no pun intended) to tactile learners

What do you see happening over the next few years?

--Greg Garner

Perceived Value in the Classroom

Why is it that some activities have the rapt attention of your students but as soon as you switch to something else, you've lost them?

Why is it that your monologue on SOHCAHTOA doesn't seem to be as interesting to your students as the latest search results on Google Images or the social life of the person sitting next to them?

Why do teachers text/email/talk during professional development sessions?

It's a matter of perceived value and interest. We pay attention to that which is unique, outstanding, bizarre, different, valuable, and/or useful. We ignore that which is too far removed from its direct application in our lives.

So, re-read the previous questions but this time, take out the negative prejudice you held and ask if what (or how) you're operating could be adjusted to change the perceived value of your content. What if the Industrial Revolution were seen through the eyes of a 12-year-old employee? When something becomes real, its perceived value just increased. When your colleagues around you are bored in their next professional development meeting, ask yourself what could be done to increase the perceived value of what you're learning.

Why else should we gather into the same room for an extended period of time? Do we have anything better to do? Or is our time together the most important thing in the world at that moment? What is our perception of that time together?

Truth isn't nearly as important as the perception of what is true.

--Greg Garner