While reading through the chapter this week I actually paused at Wellivers Instructional Transformation Model (Shelly Cashman Gunter, and Gunter, p.332). Being a science teacher, when I think of transformation I immediately think of metamorphosis. I am intrigued by the many organisms that undergo extreme transformations during their life cycle. In this way, we are no different than the organisms that share our planet. We, also, undergo numerous transformations in our physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual lives. I feel as if I am in the midst of a transformation in my teaching. This class is forcing me to change how I teach.
Where am I?
The 5 stages of transformation according to Wellivers Instructional Transformation Model are:
1. Familiarization
2. Utilization
3. Integration
4. Reorientation
5. Revolution
This class has certainly helped with familiarization. At this stage I am the caterpillar eating. I have become much more aware of different technologies that are available. I knew a few things before, but nothing like what fills my brain now! I have been at #2, Utilization. At this stage teachers use technology but minor problems cause them to discontinue its use. When I first got my SMART board, I was very excited to use it. But, it kept turning off and needed to be re-oriented and I soon gave up and used it just as a screen.
I feel that I have reached #3,Integration, and #4, Reorientation. I now believe that technology is an essential educational process. The way that I am thinking about future lessons has changed. I will look to integrate more technology into my teaching. I am in the cocoon. In this place, I am changing. It will take some time and it is a bit painful, but I hope to emerge into Revolution, the beautiful butterfly, where technology becomes a tool that is part of all teaching and learning in my classroom.
From Sage on the Stage to Guide on the Side
The use of technology shifts the focus from teacher directed learning (the sage on the stage) to student directed learning. This according to research helps to increase student involvement and learning. I am much more comfortable being the guide on the side. This also allows for transformation within our students. As they ask their own questions and search for their own answers they too are transformed. May we become a society filled with butterflies.
Hi Kris,
ReplyDeleteI like your analogy of a butterfly in comparison to us. We are changing and growing. However; I also believe reflective teachers are kind of in a sense, always in a state of metamorphaosis. I believe as we practice, we grow and change and this is continual. I hope it is to some extent because our students change with each generation and so does our personal lens. I completely look at my approach and beliefs in teaching and learning differently than I did 9 years ago. Today I had to work on school improvement and of course, one of our goals was technology incorporation. We too discussed that while technology is a tool and may enhance teaching, technology should really be a learning tool, not just instructor led. Kids should explore, practice, apply and learn. I'm glad to see that 21st century leaders and learners are getting on the same page at least to some degree.
Ceic
Kris, I loved your analogy. I believe I have been stuck in integration for a great period of time. I have always complained of a lack of time to develop the skills needed to move on to phases 4 and 5. Thanks to this class, I will be getting over the hump. I hope to remove myself from the stage and become a facilitator of learning.
ReplyDeleteKris- Your analogy was great! I didn't chose to do my blog post on this topic so reading your blog helped me easily understand this section of the chapter. I like the "guide on the side" reference as well. I've often found that students know so much about technology that if we keep ourselves on the center stage, we aren't letting them use their critical thinking skills to help them figure out what they are trying to do. I consider myself pretty comfortable and familiar with technology but I'm amazed at the things my students still show me and teach me!
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