Contemporary Issues or Trends in NZ or Internationally

A report by Education Review Office (2012) has indicated that New Zealand education system needs to pay more attention to three key aspects including

•   students-centred learning
•   responsive and rich curriculum
•   assessment used for students’ learning.

What does a connected learner in student centred learning look like?

Connected Learning is a work in progress model built on existing learning systems to remodel the education system to be in tune with the technology and digital era.

It is inspired by an initial set of three educational values, three learning principles, and three design principles. Since I saw this model in class it has fascinated me therefore am taking a deeper look as to how it encompasses learning for the 21^st century and its impact on my practice as in this model the student is at the centre of the learning.

Connected learning in relation to Key competencies

Thought provoking questions for me based on this model?

• What am I doing already?
• What do I need to enhance for my learners?
• What do I need to undertake to enrich our relationship?
• How can I foster a global and community rich practice?

How can we all make those connections necessary for the future of the learners?

After analysing this issue of making learning connected for our learners, it is evident to me that our curriculum key competencies are covering the aspects of this model but are we educators using it effectively in our practice is the key question that needs to be answered. As Rose Hipkins  said in one of the workshops I recently attended that there is a global interest in the NZ curriculum especially in the front end where the skills for 21^st century learning is explicit so does that mean if NZ educators designed their teaching and learning using this we could be leading and preparing learners for the future? The questions remains then so why are our learners disengaged and the statistics for academic success looking poor for some demographics? Have we got equity for all?

Image credit: Aperture Photo Arts- B.N.Perera

In my practice in technology education that is underpinned by the design thinking process is now gaining momentum out there. It has historically been an area where students who performed poorly or didn't fit anywhere were dumped but little did leaders know that this is one of the subject areas that could give new life to student centred learning. One might ask why? If taught properly students have all the freedom to choose to develop an outcome within a context in the earlier years then choosing their own context, issue and project management in the later years of study. This gives students all the tools in the connected learning model plus the key competencies. How?

• They work with their interest or passion or cultural aspect with a relevant context
• Talking with clients to find out their needs and opportunity
• Trial concepts and improve for which knowledge has to be sorted by them
• Ongoing evaluations and communication with a range of people possibly teams too
• Presenting and negotiating outcomes and developing final outcomes

They lead, develop, create, innovate, communicate, remake, think critically and creatively, interact with communities, cooperate and evaluate which are all skills that will be needed for the 21^st century. (21st Century Rubrics, 2012).

What is missing is my practice is the lack of opportunity for my students to collaborate on a safe platform globally as Global trends video shows it is important for educators to consider how the world will change and what will learners to consider. I do encourage students to look at global trends or objects abroad of similar form or function or sustainable practices for their projects such as IKEA websites but haven’t made it compulsory as realising now this could really enrich and broaden their development of their design ideas. We have started to integrate projects in Graphics and Technology for students which will open collaboration and ideation opportunities for the learner to make their own connections and drive their learning.

References

Education Review Office (2012).The three most pressing issues for New Zealand’s education system, revealed in latest ERO report - Education Review Office. Retrieved 5 May 2015, from 
http://www.ero.govt.nz/About-Us/News-Media-Release...

Microsoft Partners in Learning 21CLD Learning Activity Rubrics
http://www.itlresearch.com/images/stories/reports/21cld%20learning%20activity%20rubrics%202012.pdf

Education: IDEO (2016) https://www.ideo.com/expertise/education/