If you have spent time discussing teaching concepts with me, you know I do not like the term pedagogy. First (and foremost), I teach adults (not children). The root of pedagogy implies teaching children. Second, I do not like teacher based learning (where there is an expert providing bits of their knowledge). Think of knowledge sharing instead of knowledge hording. Keep in mind that I teach web technologies. This is an area which continues to evolve at an incredible pace. Yet, I often see individuals apply the same approach to teaching which has persisted for centuries. PowerPoint based lectures differ from what was delivered in the Middle Ages because… Oh, yes, we use a projector and a computer. But little else has changed. We have an “expert” talking at length about an area of specialization.
What got me thinking more about this was the Illinois Working Connections event in Springfield, Illinois last week (May 19 – 23). I taught a class on content management systems and UX design. A colleague (Scott Rhine) taught a class on innovative approaches to education using technology. This was modeled on a class he has created. I wish I had been able to take his class. However, we did have a number of discussions. Personally, I think he is on the right track.
Let’s consider a few observations. First, there was no textbook. I know this simple fact would drive most college curriculum committee’s over the edge. However, consider that with the rapid pace of change, it is likely any existing textbook would be out of date by the time it was adopted. An obvious question – “how will students learn?” Short answer – Google (and other search engines). Students need to be able to differentiate between materials which provide insight and value and materials which are useless. This is a handy skill to develop. Keep in mind that the majority of business projects students will work on have not yet been thought of. They need to hone their skills at incorporating bits of knowledge, not regurgitating from a textbook.
Next, with Scott’s class, there is no “lecture.” Students learn by doing. I know, I can already hear curriculum committees shouting that we have always had a biology lecture and a biology lab; a chemistry lecture and a chemistry lab. But the best way to learn about emerging technologies is to employ them directly and develop systems and interfaces which presently do not exist. This is the main attraction with devices like the Raspberry Pi and Arduino. It is important for students to know how to learn. Personally, I like the approach Scott told me he takes at the beginning of his class. He steps up to the board and writes – “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could ” and then he sits down. It is up to the students to finish the sentence (and how they finish the sentence defines where they will focus their energies). I understand that students struggle in the first couple of weeks. They look at finished examples and unfinished examples. Keep in mind that you do not need to have a completed project to successfully complete the class. You need to fail quickly, frequently, and learn from your mistakes. The emphasis is placed on learning how to learn. To me, this is the essence of 21st century learning. By the way, Scott shared with me that his students often ask when the building will be open so they can continue working on their projects. I wonder how often a Math or English professor has been asked that question. Yet, I believe all learning should be so engaging.
I have listened to many of Sir Ken Robinson’s discussions on problems with our current educational system. If you have not, I encourage you to listen to this RSA sponsored TED talk from a few years ago. It helps put into perspective why we do so many things in education that we do (and why it is so wrong as we start the 21st century). The focus should be on both competencies and capabilities. I plan to incorporate more of a heutagogical as I develop materials for the fall semester.
As always, I am curious a to your thoughts on this topic. I look forward to your comments.
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