When was the last time you praised a mistake? Perhaps you never have? The way we learn is through making mistakes and reflecting on them to support our next steps in learning.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the volume of scrutiny for mistakes. In this scenario lives are at risk, it is safe to say the stakes are extremely high. But to expect an approach without mistakes is unrealistic. We see many countries learning from each other's experiences and sharing the knowledge to support one another through this crisis. Perhaps now more than ever before in the history of the world, education establishments through the use of technology and a common goal are connected. Perhaps this is an opportunity for schools in England to speak with schools in Italy or Spain about lock down education. Perhaps an american college might share their experiences with a school in West Yorkshire. Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.
We have seen many examples of teachers trying to use technology to support learning of their students. We have also seen schools sending home packs of printed paper worksheets for children to continue to try to learn. Two very different approaches but one common goal, learning must try to continue. Technology certainly has its benefits on sending home stacks of paper. It doesn't take a red brick university education to understand that. So why are we still sending packs of paper home for children to work through with limited guidance and interaction with others bar their family?
What an amazing opportunity this crisis has presented us with, the opportunity to try something new and face our fears. Things we may regularly say to our students but do we say these things to our colleagues? More importantly do we allow them the space and time to get it wrong? Is your school or college leader pushing you to make the leap?
We must allow mistakes to occur or innovation never will.
We are all learners, has always been my personal belief. My teacher trainers' words of advice to me were always "never stop being a student". These words have always stuck with me. I've noticed as I become older I now know what's best for me in my learning and how I learn best. For example, the lock-down has given me time to ponder some home improvements and this led to an IKEA home delivery (no meatballs!). Flat pack furniture has always been a nemesis of mine. The guides that come with them might as well be written in Russian i just can't get my head round them. Luckily i have a partner who can and the power of internet videos to get me through. The most noticeable change i have realised is i'm more willing to try and take my time to get it right. Yes bolts and screws get put in the wrong places, but it's fine i reflect, i look back and i make the changes required.
We must have a similar methodology in education. We can see the end product but we may take different routes to get there, and more than likely we will need help along the way. Through the lock down I have been working with a variety of teachers to support learning through digital platforms. It's been at times frustrating but also rewarding to see some who may have never used tools such as Google Classroom give it a go. Enforced change isn't always welcome, but my hope through this crisis is that teachers have seen it is possible, i can overcome my fears and I can give it a go.
This leads nicely onto leaders within schools and colleges across the country. A shift in mindset here is key to future success. I engage with twitter most days and the general consensus is positive however as expected negativity shows its ugly head too often. We must allow our teachers the opportunity to grow into using digital technology in education, giving them the space to fail, but praising them when they do. The 'new normal' needs to become a habit for this volume of technology use is to continue. Whether you are for the use of technology or against its use in education there is no argument, it has a part to play. Snow days - no issues accessing learning at home. Can't get into school or college due to rail strikes - no issues accessing learning at home. Learning is everywhere and accessible if we break free of the chains of the normal.
In conclusion, I really hope that many peoples eyes have been open to the possibilities technology presents us with. Many teachers are focused on the traditional which I have no problem with, but we live in a world which seems to be moving away from the traditional and shifting the sands of time. Learners need to be equipped in different ways, they don't just need to know the answers they need to create the questions. I will leave you with one final question.... What's the worst that could happen?
