CREATING SIGNIFICANT LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
By creating significant learning environments, we provide more opportunities for students to interact with the material. This interaction can lead to deeper understanding and enhanced learning. By structuring classrooms around fostering collaboration and communication, we set up an environment where students can learn from one another and their instructors. In addition, intentional focus on helping students see the relevance of what they are learning to their own lives and future goals; they become more motivated and engaged in the material. These factors work together to create a stronger foundation for student success inside and outside school walls.
"What happens to learning when we move from the stable infrastructure of the twentieth century to the fluid infrastructure of the twenty-first century, where technology is constantly creating and responding to change?"
Thomas and Brown, 2011
SIGNIFICANT LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
In A New Culture of Learning, Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown suggest that 21st-century skills are essential for success in today's economy. They advocate for a more personalized approach to learning, where students can direct their learning and follow their interests. They argue that in a world where technology is drastically changing how we interact and learn, it's surprising that school instruction is still largely teacher-centered. However, even though traditional teaching processes still exist in modern classrooms, research shows that worksheets and lectures may not be the best approach to teaching. Instead, the solution may be to view teaching as a long-term method and use holistic and modern environments to encourage meaningful learning.
As you guide young people today in schools, showing specific guidelines for every action carried out minute by minute isn't going to let them learn the abilities they need to adapt to new technologies or conditions. Instead of striving to remain in place, children must learn how to contend with fluid surroundings. However, how can they learn to cope with such an ever-changing world?
In their work, Thomas and Brown open up the idea that we need to look at learning in new ways - beyond simply acquiring information and skills. Instead, they suggest that given the rapidly changing landscape around us, we need to focus on developing creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities to succeed. This type of thinking will help create significant learning environments because it allows individuals to adapt and thrive in constantly evolving conditions.
MY JOURNEY
One must be a product of the environment one wishes to establish. I plan to continue moving towards creating significant learning environments by continuing to invest time in activities outside of traditional schooling contexts which support my growth as an independent learner. These plans must include regularly engaging with online communities dedicated to topics I'm passionate about, setting aside time each week for creative exploration, or even just making time for moments of reflection where I can process what I've learned. Another wise part of my cultural shift is to boost the opportunities for learning apart from school settings. Therefore, I intend to continue my involvement in activities outside of an institutional environment.
We must first establish a new learning culture to create significant learning environments. In this learning culture, learners must actively engage in their education and take responsibility for their success. Teachers must serve as facilitators, providing resources and support while allowing learners to direct their educational journey. This shift requires us to re-examine our current educational system and ask ourselves how we can better support learner autonomy. We must also redefine what it means to be an effective educator in this new learning culture.
MY ROLE
Implementing engaging video-based morning announcements into the classroom is how I plan to help lead toward creating. Through video, students and faculty can see and hear one another delivering the day's news. The immediacy of video creates a powerful sense of community that builds relationships and supports collaboration. Video also allows for an impossible personalization with other media such as print or radio. For example, student leaders can introduce themselves individually on camera, which helps create a connection with the viewer. Videos can also be customized to include photos or graphics representing the school's colors or mascot. This branding reinforces pride in the institution and encourages viewers to identify with it. Finally, videos can be used to share information about upcoming events or activities happening on campus, which helps build excitement and encourage involvement.
FOUR WAYS VIDEO-BASED MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS CAN HELP LEAD TO CREATING SIGNIFICANT LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Video-based morning announcements can help students learn about current events and what is happening in their school.
Video-based content also allows for a more differentiated instruction approach, catering to each student's unique interests and needs.
Video-based morning announcements can provide a space for students to share their work with the entire school community.
Video-based morning announcements can serve as a powerful tool for building relationships between students and staff members.
MY ARGUMENT
When we engage in creating significant learning environments, we are able to provide more opportunities for students to interact with the material. This interaction can lead to deeper understanding and enhanced learning. When we focus on helping students see the relevance of what they are learning to their own lives and future goals, they become more motivated and engaged in the material. Ultimately, all of these factors work together to create a stronger foundation for student success both inside and outside of school walls.
In recent years, education has been transformed by new technologies and a renewed focus on individualized learning. But these changes are only the beginning. A shift to a culture of learning that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and global citizenship will enhance learning for all students.
A creative learning environment is one that encourages students to explore their own interests and to take risks. It is a place where they can be themselves and where they feel safe to experiment. In such an environment, students are more likely to be engaged in their learning and to take ownership of their education.
A collaborative learning environment fosters relationships between students and teachers, and among students themselves. It is a place where everyone is working together towards a common goal. In such an environment, students learn how to communicate effectively and how to respect different points of view.
WHAT WE CAN ADDRESS
Some significant problems that creating learning environments will address include illiteracy, functional innumeracy, inequality, increasing student engagement, providing more personalized instruction, and improving students' academic achievement.
There is a disconnect between what many students are asked to do in schools and the real world. In school, teachers often dictate what and how students should learn. However, in the real world, employers seek workers who are problem solvers and can think critically. A new culture of learning will address this disconnect by preparing students for the reality of the workplace.
This new culture of learning will also address the issue of standardized testing. Standardized tests have been shown to be ineffective in measuring student learning. They also take away from valuable instructional time. A new culture of learning will emphasize student-centered learning that is based on each individual's needs.
Lastly, a new culture of learning will address the issue of equity in education. Too often, students from low-income backgrounds or minority groups are not given the same opportunities as their peers.
THE IMPACT
Significant learning environments will have a profound impact on my innovation plan. Implementing video-based morning announcements into the early childhood learning environment can be game-changing. Significant learning environments provided the opportunity to obtain the necessary resources to implement innovation across many aspects of the instructional day. This may include access to cutting-edge technology, expert mentors, and funding. Significant learning environments will create an environment that is conducive to creativity and risk-taking. This type of environment is essential for generating new ideas and approaches. They also will help to build a community of like-minded individuals who can support and collaborate with one another. This is critical for turning good ideas into reality.
FUNDAMENTAL IDEAS BROUGHT FORWARD
In A New Culture of Learning, Thomas and Brown discuss the importance of bringing fundamental ideas from the book into your learning environment. Here are some key ideas to keep in mind:
First, it's important to create a learning environment that is based on collaboration and social interaction. Sharing opportunities to work together allows students to forge lifelong partnerships and fellowship among themselves. It also means using technology to facilitate communication and collaboration.
Second, it's important to encourage creativity and risk-taking in your learning environment. This means providing opportunities for students to experiment and explore new ideas. It also means creating an atmosphere where failure is seen as a learning opportunity, not a reason to give up.
Finally, it's important to focus on the process of learning, not just the end result.
The 21st century has brought about a new era of learning. No longer is learning confined to the classroom or textbook. With the advent of technology, learners now have the world at their fingertips. This has resulted in a need for a new culture of learning, one that is more flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing landscape of knowledge.
As someone who is passionate about learning, I am excited to bring some of the fundamental ideas from A New Culture of Learning into my own learning environment. First and foremost, I believe that all learners should have access to quality resources and tools. Secondly, learners should be encouraged to take risks and experiment with different approaches to learning. Finally, it is important to create a community of learners who can support and challenge one another.
THE SECRET PLAN
In A New Culture of Learning, authors John Seely Brown and Douglas Thomas discuss the importance of play in learning. They argue that learners today need to be able to experiment and take risks in order to learn effectively. When it comes to morning announcements, many schools rely on a traditional format that doesn't allow for much creativity or risk-taking. However, by using a video-based format, schools can create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Video-based morning announcements provide a way to start the day that sets the tone for learning. They can be used to share positive messages, connect students with each other and their school community, and create opportunities for student voice. Additionally, video-based morning announcements can help build capacity for digital literacy among staff and students alike while also creating meaningful ways to engage parents/caregivers in their child's education. When used effectively, video-based morning announcements have the potential to lead toward creating significant learning environments by promoting culture change within schools.
Here are a few ways I plan to implement video-based morning announcements in our schools to implement play:
Give students the opportunity to produce their own videos. This can be done individually or in small groups.
Use videos as a way to introduce new concepts or ideas. For example, if you're introducing a new math concept, have a short video clip that explains it in a fun and engaging way.
A New Culture of Learning has some great ideas that can be implemented in any learning environment. One way to do this is by using video based morning announcements. This will allow students to see and hear the announcements, as well as get a visual of what is happening in the school.
Another way to implement the ideas from A New Culture of Learning is by having a focus on real-world issues. This can be done by incorporating projects that allow students to research and find solutions to problems that they are passionate about.
Finally, another way to bring the concepts from A New Culture of Learning into your classroom is by encouraging creativity and collaboration. This can be done through activities such as brainstorming, group work, and peer editing.
CHALLENGES TO PREPARE FOR
The most significant challenge when building or creating a new learning environment will be establishing a new culture. Unlike the traditional school system, this new culture should be based on inquiry, collaboration, and reflection principles. There are many ways to create this new culture, but it will take time, patience, and commitment from everyone involved.
Some possible challenges that could derail the implementation of video-based morning announcements into early childhood learning environments include:
Getting buy-in from stakeholders (e.g., administrators, teachers, parents).
Addressing any technical difficulties or logistical issues that may arise in terms of recording and playing back the videos each day.
Ensuring that the content of the videos is appropriate for young children and aligned with educational goals.
Ensure students have adequate time to watch the videos during the school day without disrupting other instruction or activities.
Training staff on how to operate the equipment and use it effectively to create high-quality videos.
Some ways to address these challenges include meeting with stakeholders to explain the purpose of the videos and how they will be used. We can address any technical difficulties or logistical issues that may arise in terms of recording and playing back the videos by collaborating and taking lessons from industry leaders in the video production world prior to rolling out the plan. We can collaborate with our instructional department leaders and classroom teachers to ensure that the content of the videos is appropriate for young children and aligned with educational goals. We can ensure students have adequate time to watch the videos during the school day without disrupting other instruction or activities by working with campus administrators to ensure they are a part of the campus master schedule. Lastly, we must provide professional development to staff on how to operate the equipment and use it effectively to create high-quality videos.
IMPACT TO THE ORGANIZATION
Adopting the perspective of creating significant learning environments will impact organizations differently depending on their specific goals, needs, and other variables. However, some potential benefits of implementing video-based morning announcements into early childhood learning environments from a New Culture of Learning perspective include promoting active and engaged learning among students; encouraging collaboration and communication between students, teachers, and administrators; fostering a sense of community within the school; and providing opportunities for customized or individualized instruction. Additionally, using video-based morning announcements may help reduce behavior problems by establishing routines and expectations for the day ahead.
One way to get people to think more broadly or holistically when implementing video-based morning announcements into early childhood learning environments is by using visuals. For example, you could use a scene from nature that demonstrates the changes of seasons, or a montage of different children engaged in various activities during their day. This would help give viewers a more well-rounded perspective of what goes on during an average day at school, and might prompt them to think about things they wouldn't normally consider. Additionally, providing opportunities for discussion after the broadcast would allow individuals to share their thoughts and ask questions about anything they found particularly interesting or confusing.
MY CORE BELIEF
I believe that my perspective is broad enough to become a foundational perspective when implementing video-based morning announcements into early childhood learning environments. I am always looking for ways to improve and update my teaching methods, so I would be open to using this type of tool in order to engage my students more effectively.
I believe that my perspective is broad enough to become a foundational perspective for video-based morning announcements in early childhood learning environments. I am familiar with the research on this topic and have considered the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing such a program in my own classroom. I am also aware of the importance of modeling positive behavior for young children, so I would be sure to model proper viewing etiquette during morning announcements. Overall, I think that foundationally supporting Learning through videos is a great idea and one that can positively impact early childhood learners.
STEPS TO TAKE WHEN MOVING TOWARD CREATING SIGNIFICANT LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
These ten components will set the foundation needed to develop a robust 21st-century infrastructure that supports learning significant experiences for each individual.
COMPONENT #1
Establish clear goals and expectations for all stakeholders
COMPONENT #2
Support self-directed exploration
COMPONENT #3
Create opportunities for reflection
COMPONENT #4
Foster collaboration
COMPONENT #5
Promote social connectedness
COMPONENT #6
Encourage creativity
COMPONENT #7
Build resilience
COMPONENT #8
Model learning that fosters critical thinking skills and creativity
COMPONENT #9
Embrace new technologies to enhance the learning process
COMPONENT #10
Encourage learning across the lifespan
References
A New Culture of Learning, Douglas Thomas at TEDxUFM. (2012, September 12). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/lM80GXlyX0U
Bates, T. (n.d.). Dr. Tony Bates on Building Effective Learning Environments. YouTube. Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xD_sLNGurA
Harapnuik, D. (n.d.). Creating significant learning environments (CSLE). Youtube. Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ-c7rz7eT4
Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. Createspace.