It's not a long question. Three little letters in fact. When presented with a request, an idea, a chore, anything really, often the response is "why?" Not always in the sassy, teen/toddler, I'm questioning your authority vein either. Often the question is genuine. Why? My kids want to know the purpose of what they have been asked to do.
I'm finding that this idea of genuinely wanting to know "why" isn't limited to my kids. In fact, I'm not sure it's limited at all. Knowing the why behind any decision or action is key not only to the party making the decision or taking the action, but also to anyone that decision or action impacts. If I don't truly understand my why, how do I know how to guide my innovation plan*? If I can't verbalize my why, who is going to be willing to jump on board with me? Simon Sinek sums it up when he says "people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." Tom Asacker also says "Information doesn't move us. Desire moves us." Our why is our driving force.
In reminiscing about the moment I decided to pursue education as a career path many years ago, I thought about the two teachers that inspired my love of science, Mrs. White and Mrs. Bassett. They were passionate about their content and designed all kinds of amazing learning experiences that helped us understand the world around us. Ultimately, I wanted to be able to inspire future generations to love science, and even more importantly, learning. A lot has changed as far as available tools since I was in school. My typing skills were honed on a typewriter, the lone computer in the classroom was meant for playing Oregon Trail, and we went online at home using a dial up modem on the second phone line. Now, blended learning can leverage evolving digital tools in targeted, personalized, meaningful and relevant ways that can move learning environments beyond the 4 walls of a traditional classroom. Dr. Harapnuik often reminds us that it has "never been a better time to be a learner" and I agree. Let's embrace our now while helping our learners prepare for their future.
*Innovation Plan Summary - My current school district employs amazing and creative teachers that utilize educational technology in exciting ways. Many of our teachers have imagined, learned, created, tried, failed and reworked while “in the trenches.” Current teachers start with a learning goal in mind and then find the right tech tool for the job. What if we could help prepare the next generation of teachers to blend their classrooms before they even graduate from high school? The Instructional Practices In Education and Training course at the high school is just the place to begin this work! When IPET students graduate from college, they are guaranteed a spot in the interview pool in our district should they choose to return. Let’s help them be one step ahead of the competition by introducing blended learning, in a blended format, and then guide them as they design blended learning experiences for other district students.
References:
Harapnuik, D. (2018, Feb. 1). Never been a better time to be a learner [web log comment]. Retrieved from http://www.harapnuik.org/?p=7322
TEDx Talks. (2009, Sept. 28). Start with why - how great leaders inspire action. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA&feature=youtu.be
TEDx Talks. (2014, June 30). Why TED Talks don't change people's behaviors: Tom Asacker at TEDxCambridge 2014. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0jTZ-GP0N4&feature=youtu.be
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