Group+06

Group 6 thoughts

What do we think it means to prepare students for the 21st century? What skills do students need to survive and thrive in this new era?
 * to encourage people to have an enquiring mind - technology somewhat irrelevant if the mind is not engaged
 * being able to cope with faster change
 * the people who are really successful with change will be the same type of people who will be successful in the future
 * courageous in embracing change
 * labour market has changed - environment - flatter structures
 * constant learning - lifelong learning
 * coping with diverse tasks - e.g. move away from typing pools - specialist to generalist
 * take more responsibility - more initiative - just do it

Is it possible for a teacher to be an excellent teacher without using technology?
 * yes - because the technology is not a prerequisite to quality teaching
 * what kind of technology? just "computers" or all innovations related to field
 * technology should be used if it's relevant - but not just "because"
 * an excellent teacher will use the technology where it is required

What implications does this have for our current way of doing things? Do we need to change and if so, how?
 * upskill our excellent and not so excellent teachers
 * reward people for excellence
 * everyone should not be paid the same regardless of whether they are good or bad
 * need to share resources - stop going off on own tangents
 * must change - keep up with current trends

Key word, phrase, or question
​ Proactive - we can't predict the change so must be able to react.

What will do next? What are some concrete actions that we can take in the near future?
 * hurry up and wait
 * have conversations with all WelTec staff in terms of elearning and what it means
 * individual responsibility to stop the negativity
 * be willing to change (make a personal committment)
 * find out what is available in our own institute
 * break down the fear
 * increase the awareness - technology isn't a scary word
 * management who understand and will follow up on ideas and concepts - provide guidance
 * be responsible to make the change