The authors say that creating substantial change in education is similar to changing the engine on a jet airplane while the plane is in flight. They also contend that the educational system, in general, has made significant strides with change while still continuing to educate our children. What many people don’t realize is that both the federal and state governments have increased requirements which schools must adhere to. However, schools cannot be satisfied and must still continue to push forward with the change effort to a more student centered classroom.
The authors maintain that the use of technology, primarily personal computers, can change the way that education is delivered throughout this country. They are very clear, however, that the “common” uses of computers (word processing, Internet research, and spreadsheet calculations) will not turn our classrooms into student centered classes.
We, at Okoboji, understand this and are currently working towards more student centered classrooms through our professional development activities in all three buildings. Our building principals, Rob Olsen, Ryan Cunningham and Brian Downing, also understand the case for student centered classrooms, and we have had many discussions on how to increase our teaching and learning in the classrooms, both through the use of teaching strategies and the infusion of technology.
As we move forward with the Iowa Core Curriculum, we are implementing what are called the Characteristics of Effective Instruction. These characteristics include several different teaching strategies, which when coupled with good formative assessments (figuring out whether or not kids “get it”), are the basis for the disruptive innovations that Christensen and the rest of the authors talk about in their book.
We are very excited for these changes to take place within our school. Even more excitement results as we implement these changes in our teaching and learning in order to help our students be more successful in their future while, at the same time, allowing the students to have more of a say in how they learn.. While the Okoboji Schools wish to be leaders in learning throughout the state in utilizing technology, we know that the best thing we can do is put a highly qualified teacher in the front of every classroom. The computers are simply tools to help our classes become more student centered. We will continue to work towards our classrooms being more student centered in the future. Thanks for the support that you give our students and the staff at the Okoboji Community Schools.
