The Last Day of School (As We Know It)
Although classes ended last Friday, today marks the final day of the 2007-2008 academic calendar for our faculty. This year’s “last day of school”, however, is different from those of the past; when we reconvene in August, we will officially be a 1:1 school. Granted, the implementation will take several years and ultimately only directly apply to grades 7-12, but it will irrevocably change the learning landscape. As teachers depart today, they will be leaving behind a school they will not see again.
After today, 1:1 teachers will never again have to worry about reserving a computer cart or lab. The days of planning weeks or even months in advance are gone; instructional spontaneity will not only become an option but an expectation. Teachable moments will be seized.
After today, 1:1 students will never again have to confine their learning to the classroom. The days of space and time-constrained interaction are gone; anytime, anywhere communication and collaboration will become the norm. Personal learning networks will develop and flourish.
After today, 1:1 parents will never again be left out of their child’s digital world. The days of separating school and home technology use are gone; a student-teacher-parent partnership will ensure this generation becomes good digital citizens. We will grow up online together.
After today, we have an opportunity, as never before, to provide a 21st century education. Regardless of our grade level or discipline, we also have an obligation, as never before, to leverage the opportunities afforded by this new learning environment.
None of us can predict all that will occur over the next 12 months, but I am certain that today is truly the last day of school as we know it: welcome to the future.
**photo courtesy of 6thboro on flickr (Creative Commons, non-commercial)
May 30th, 2008 at 3:25 am
Yay!!
I think any school that can afford it should be 1:1. We are not in that position and I try to preach the collaborative strength of ubiquitous computung.
May 30th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I have worked long and hard to find a way to teach anywhere, anytime. Learning will never be confined by the space and time constraints of a classroom, or the bus schedule for that matter. How wonderful that the MICDS learners, faculty included, can now pursue academic life as a real life, whole and wonderful. In this I hope to match Pat’s enthusiastic celebration.
June 1st, 2008 at 9:40 am
Skip–thanks for the encouragement. I hope that someday you’ll be in a position to go 1:1. It’s a heck of a lot of work to get there but I know it will be worth it in the end!
Tom–what a great perspective from one of our own! Hopefully our enthusiasm will spread and be sustained as the year progresses!