Chapter 1: Arc-of-Life Learning
Quote: “We believe that this new culture of learning can augment learning in nearly every facet of education and every stage of life. It is a core part of what we think of as “arc of life” learning, which comprises the activities in our daily lives that keep us learning, growing, and exploring. Play, questioning, and --perhaps most important-- imagination lie at the very heart of arc-of-life learning.” I chose this quote because it captures the main idea of the chapter. In this chapter, students learn by using their imagination while they play and create.
Question: How can I help my students actively use their imagination and help them become lifelong learners?
Connection: I made a connection when I was reading the story about Allen, a man from Northern California who ran a business on computer coding even though he had never had any kind of formal training. This story, titled “Googling the Error,” showed how Allen was able to develop various computer language programs by making mistakes. Yes, mistakes. Last semester while working on completing my PLN, I ran across many challenges and I made plenty mistakes. I was able to grow and learn because of those mistakes. I also had to google my errors and look for help in the online communities that can pretty much help you figure anything out. It is true that you learn from your mistakes, as cliche as it may sound.
Epiphany: My Aha moment is realizing just how important online communities are. They are super valuable to me as a teacher candidate. I am sure that they are valuable to my students as well.
Chapter 2: A Tale of two Cultures
Quote: “The teaching-based approach focuses on teaching us about the world, while the new culture of learning focuses on learning through engagement within the world.” This quote represents the focus of the chapter, which is that students are not empty machines waiting to be filled with all the knowledge that the teacher has to offer.
Question: How can I create a classroom where students learn by engaging with the world?
Connection: Students need to give meaning to what it is they’re learning. It is impossible for the teacher to make meaning for them. The new culture of learning was not really around when I was in high school. The teacher was the ultimate authority, as far as I can remember. It wasn’t until I got to college that I was introduced to that radical idea. It was mind blowing when my college professor stated we are all equals and the students basically taught themselves. I think it is very difficult for some students (and teachers) to accept the idea that the teacher isn’t going to give them the answer, but will help guide them to it.
Epiphany: Thomas and Brown end the chapter by stating that in the new culture of learning, “the point is to embrace what we don’t know, come up with better questions about it, and continue asking those questions in order to learn more and more.” This is my Aha moment.
Chapter 3: Embracing Change
Quote: “Embracing change means looking forward to what will come next. It means viewing the future as a set of new possibilities, rather than something that forces us to adjust. It means making the most of living in a world of motion.” I chose this quote because it represents what the chapter is about. This chapter points out that when change comes slowly, it is easy to adapt. We live in a world where everything is constantly changing. Our students will fare better once the educational system accepts this.
Question: How does the educational system plan on dealing with changes that happen on a regular basis?
Connection: I made a connection when I read about the study that compared accuracy between Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Britannica. The connection I made involved my students from CP I and a discussion we had in class regarding technology and its benefits. Students were quick to point out that Wikipedia offers information that is up to date because it is constantly being updated.
Epiphany: I had an Aha moment when I read about the kids that embraced change with every new novel of the Harry Potter series. It is amazing that kids are sometimes able to adapt to change even faster than adults. I find that to be truly fascinating. Personally, I would like to improve my outlook on change and not feel so intimidated by it.
Douglas, T, Brown, J.S. (2011). A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the Imagination for a World of Constant Change. Lexington, KY: CreateSpace?, 2011.