Digital Self-Study

As someone studying Education I would like to believe that as a teacher I am needed. But – lately it doesn’t seem to be the case. As proved by the high school learners who developed and successfully taught themselves by means of ‘The Independent Project’. They learnt many things they would not have in class. What stood out for me was the fact that they learnt to TEACH.

This is a wake-up call to me as my job might be in danger. If kids learn how to teach themselves and their peers, then what is the point of me slaving away years of my life to become qualified when anyone can teach?

“Teachers guided by standards can certainly retain banker-like control, but theirs is a sort of shadow of power, as they are no longer in a position to determine what knowledge is worth depositing”

We have so much knowledge to share with our learners however we are restricted by curriculum statements and policies. Children are by nature inquisitive – why not let them guide the curriculum or the lessons you teach in class? Or – you won’t have a job in the next few decades (not just you, but the profession you are trying to keep alive).  

Technology-mediated self-directed and distance learning is the route education needs to take. Let learners learn what they want to, teach their peers and you as the teacher. Maybe you learn something new. This phenomenon is the way to make school something fun again. Distance learning has great potential. If we could learn from a screen and the teacher is on the other side of the world – why not? I mean, you would have access to the greatest experts in the field you are interested in. Learn from the best.

Technology is inevitable. It can help us as teachers who have a goal to educate children teach children on a global scale. We can sit anywhere in the world and teach someone on the opposite side of the globe. You can record your lessons and make them available to anyone with internet access. We will be able to teach literally anyone with computer access – children, teens, adults, the elderly – even our colleagues.

The opportunity for you to become a learner and broaden your knowledge bank is a click away, you won’t have to spend another year to upgrade yourself when you can do it digitally anywhere any time.

Don’t restrict the power of knowledge. Let your learners be creative in their learning. And become who you preach to – a learner.