A GT Teacher's Leap Into 21st Learning

After watching a video from Diana Rhoten today, I have added a new moniker to my list of attributes – academic coach.  When completing all those forms for job description, I think I will start to use this instead of teacher.  The definition of coaching, according to wikipedia, is

” the practice of supporting an individual, referred to as the client or mentee or coachee, through the process of achieving a specific personal or professional result.”

Using the 21st century tools, teachers are able to be coaches, supporting learning through individualization and helping them achieve specific goals – those set upon them and those they choose themselves.  Having students take ownership of themselves and their learning as early as possible is the key to successful learning.

Throughout this morning, I have been learning even more tools for my toolbox to support my role as coach.  The trouble, organizing my tools so that I can be the most effective academic coach.  Sometimes it is necessary to bring in the 20th century skills – organization – to help be most successful at 21st century learning.

I have just spent so much time going through my twitter feed it is mind boggling. The amount of information is wonderful. I am so happy to have gotten an iPad for Christmas – I can pop on and check things out without having to boot up.

The other great thing I have been doing is learning prezi. I hope to have my kids use it this week. Some of my own kids friends are using it in college for group projects and my daughter made a quick presentation tonight using prezi. Cool and fun. Nothing like making a report seem like making a video game .