Professional Learning that Empowers the Individual
Minds On Media© (MOM) is a model of professional learning that respects the learner's 'desire to know'.
Teachers come to learn and we respect their choices in how they wish to do that. We want them to take a 'minds on' approach.
Although it can take many forms, it is often a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) event with a variety of centres focusing on being learners in the 21st century - the age of ubiquitous media.
This Pecha Kucha style presentation by Brenda Sherry &
Peter Skillen in 2010.
What will teachers learn?
Imagine a room full of educators who are experts in information and communications technologies (ICT) and learning theory. What could be learned from them?
That is up to your teachers! They can visit one of the centres or visit them all! They might be absolute beginners or comfortable with technology - but this is about authentic use with students to develop deeper understandings. They choose their ‘entry point’. Teachers build their own plan for the day or are led by one of our facilitators or pedagogistas. They learn what they need to know to bring critical thinking to your environment.
Teachers may want to learn all about podcasting, moviemaking, global projects, graphic organizers, social media, digital photography, digital storytelling, collaborative documents. You get the idea. The facilitators at the centres will have the skills to support all learning styles with awesome classroom projects as exemplars!
What are our core beliefs?
We believe that:
- the locus of control for learning should be in the hands of the learner
- the facilitator must be aware of, and respond to, the learner’s desires, needs and expertise
- the learner should leave empowered to learn further - beyond the MOM event
- there are always experts among us
Why is Minds On Media© unique?
At Minds On Media
© teachers will choose what they need to learn based on their own needs, learning styles, interests, levels of expertise. They are able to move freely throughout the day from centre to centre if, and when, it suits them.
Facilitators spend some time before the event thinking about practical ways to support self-directed learners at a hands-on session. This requires the creation of a wide variety of materials, strategies and access points. Differentiated learning is equally important for adults.
It's not 'wait for the workshop' any more. It's 'just in time' learning - not 'just in case'. Teachers will gain expertise in asking questions using social tools and in developing, nurturing and leveraging a robust professional learning network (PLN).
Facilitators at MOM sessions look forward to, not only teaching but, learning with others. They respect the knowledge and expertise that each person brings to the table.
At each event, we capitalize on Web 2.0 tools to make our learning explicit to all. It is, therefore, also available for sharing and future reflection.
Pedagogistas are there to ensure that we don't get lost in the mechanics of the tools - but rather remind and support us to think deeply about the role of technology in learning and teaching.
Why did we develop Minds On Media©?
We conceived the Minds On Media© model as a way of empowering the adult learner. We recognize that teachers are wanting more authentic, connected, 'just in time' learning as they make their shift as 21st century educators.
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@brendasherry
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@peterskillen
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peter@peterskillen.org
bsherry1@me.com
