Clarence Fisher Skypes In

Yesterday in class we had the opportunity to skype with Clarence Fisher, a grade 7/8 teacher from Snow Lake. Clarence had me typing a mile a minute with all the information he was giving us. First I would like to start with his opinion on how education is changing. I agree that education is always changing. Clarence reflected back to when he first got into the industry and recalls how it was static; unchanging and unmoving. Now he sees it as different and that teachers are on the edge of globalization. Education is not just isolated to a classroom now. This is what Alex Couros was talking about when breaking down the walls and making classrooms transparent.

Another point Clarence touched on was that it is very important for education to be engaging and passion based for students and teachers. There needs to be a way to combine high standards and big outcomes with activities that engage students. I think that teachers need to model a passion for education for students. If a teacher is enthusiastic and engaged then most times students can’t help but follow.

Clarence also talked about technology and education. He mentioned how education needs to be thought of as mobile because we are constantly learning. Also students need to be taught how to create with technology and not just consume. I had never thought of technology in the classroom that way but it is true. Most times technology is thrust at students and they are expected to treat it like a textbook; a place to gather information. Technology is more than that, it is an opportunity for students to creatively express themselves. Teachers need to push students to take pictures and create videos. I think that the fact that Clarence has a TV hanging in his classroom is awesome! I think it is even better that he displays students pictures and art work on it during the day!!

Also by pushing students to try new things they will enhance their digital skills. Most times it is assumed that students know how to use all the various technology and the information on it but that is a skill that still needs to be taught. Students need to learn the difference between facts and opinions online. Teachers only need to spend time with students and use technology with purpose. Often technology is implemented without knowing why or just as time killers. Clarence mentioned that teachers should have a purpose for being online and not just doing it because it is there.

The last thing that Clarence talked about was that technology is no longer optional. EdTech is many things now and not just doing internet searches. Schools need to embrace this so that school remains an engaging place for students to learn.