Expanding Learning Horizons

Learners need teachers to support the development of these skills, so they, too, can ride what Steve Jobs’ so aptly called the mind’s bicycle. It helps if teachers themselves are confident technology users, but we now understand that they are no longer required to be an expert in all aspects before they are able to effectively guide the learning in their classrooms. In fact adopting a lead learner mindset, which might include learning with and from students, can support student learning.

As Dorothy skipped enthusiastically down the Yellow Brick Road to start her unexpected journey to the Emerald City, the unknown and the enormity of the task she was to undertake began to impact on her decision making. Scarecrow in or Scarecrow out? The left fork in the road or the right? Detour to oil the Tin Man or keep to the path? Fear of going through the poppy field and what may happen? Or fear of staying on the path and possibly facing the Wicked Witch of the West?

During my time as a teacher, Head of Teaching & Learning and ICT Education Specialist, I have come across schools who have successfully implemented new technologies into the classroom, as well as those that have been less successful. From this, I know that it all begins with the approach. In the case of Office 365, I have seen schools implementing it simply for the OneDrive storage. While this is a useful feature, some schools just aren’t aware of the many other features which create supportive and collaborative learning environments, nor considered the importance of supporting teachers with classroom application and the pedagogy behind using Office 365.