2.0 Classrooms or Classrooms 2.0?

It is an important distinction.

2.0 classrooms, at least in some form, are becoming more common. More teachers are trying out the tools we have available to us. The proliferation of blogs, wikis, Skype accounts, etc. is simple proof.

But classroom 2.0, a next - generation learning environment that takes a much more inclusive look at re - designed learning is more difficult to pin down. Moving towards a second generation learning environment requires us to take a much deeper look at how our classrooms look, the tools that are available for use, schedules, priorities, pedagogy, and what is taught in our rooms.

Classroom 2.0 involves a much deeper look at curriculum and pedagogy, not just a focus on using new tools with our students. The "slipperiness" of knowledge in our society leads to a much heavier focus on meta - skills in classrooms, balancing against state required content. The creation of learning nodes and networks, the evaluation of information, and students gaining an understanding of new forms of literacies easily becomes as important, if not more so than:

"identify the components of blood and describe the function of each."

(MB. science curriculum, Grade 8 Cluster 1)

or

"Identify major events in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas during the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries"

(MB. social studies curriculum, Grade 8 Cluster 4)

Creating a space where students become learners, communicators, creators, and innovators is no small task. In many ways it involves starting over and asking truly fundamental questions about the purpose of schools and learning. It requires us to empty everything from our classroom into the hallway and ask ourselves, "What do I want to happen in this space? How can this pile of stuff help that to happen?" Starting with our physical environment and moving up into issues of curriculum, pedagogy, and daily schedules and routines, this is the task that we need to centre our work on.

As this school year fades out (6 weeks here until exams begin), I'm starting with a blank piece of paper on my desk and asking myself some pretty tough questions.

technorati tags:classroom, 2.0, learning, environments, information

Comments

[Barbara]

Good questions, Clarence. Just this morning I was thinking about trying to articulate the difference between "thin walled classrooms"(that is connected classrooms) and distant learning. I beleive they are fundamentally different but I also believe that taking the time to articulate how and why they are different is important. As you say, fundamental questions of purpose, pedagogy and objectives move us from using tools to creating new learning environments.

[Jabiz]

Great points Clarence more and more I am finding that my classroom, as it is set up now, is not designed to teach the way I want. I simply need more tools on hand. ALL THE TIME! I want, sorry need, more tools, not only for final assessments or huge projects, but sometimes I just need them to prove a quick point or produce a quick audio or video clip. A classroom must be a recording studio, a photography hub, a stage, a theater, a place to watch video, a broadcasting booth etc.

I am moving to a new school and I hope that I can build this vision from the ground up there.These Classroom 2.0 environments are places where students will not only be able to learn, but they will learn to also teach and share with other Classroom 2.0s.