Professional Learning vs Professional Development

Today, at our principal's meeting, I heard our deputy superintendent of curriculum use the phrase "professional learning" and she said that some are using this phrase now instead of professional development.

We also discussed how information ownership is no longer important. The information itself can be found anywhere on the web and anyone can access information on anything. That is why it's value has decreased.

Teachers are being asked to facilitate the learning in the classroom instead of providing information. Teachers no longer need to "know" everything; they just need to know how to find it, what to do with it, and how to connect it to real life for our students. Teachers are oganizers of students and information.

Teachers also need to know how to use the technology to find the information that students need or want, or they need to be able to recruit and use the expertise in the classroom and in the school to be able to do the facilitating that is required. Teachers also need to be aware of the possibilities and be open to having their students use the newest and latest technology or web tools to get the job of learning done.

So, how do we keep up? We need to be where the kids are! This is not a new concept. When I was in high school (so long, long ago), we were in the work place, at the movie theatre, in sports, at parties, visiting with our friends, at the library, in after school clubs, mainly doing face to face connecting.

Our students are still doing these things, but they are doing it using their phones, the Internet, Ipods, etc. We just need to be aware of the technology that is being used and not freak out if a student brings a personal device into the classroom and wants to know why he/she cannot use it to do the work assigned or some other work instead of what you have assigned.

So, getting back to being where the kids are: we, as educators need to be on the Internet. We need to know what wikis, delicious accounts, myspace, facebook, Web 2.0, google docs, etc. are so that we can at least take part in the conversations the kids are having. That is, if we wish to be relevant in the students' lives.

Today, I made a facetious comment, when we were discussing the future of education and how technology is going to surpass anything we have every known: "that moves up my retirement date". I actually do feel a bit overwhelmed at times, but I am also truly excited to see the future face of education.

If you feel strongly one way or another, please make a comment or email me at grandmavonline.vandenberg@gmail.com I'd love to carry on further discussion on this topic.

I would also welcome suggestions for good education twitters or blogs to follow.

God bless and keep you this advent season!