Some of my recent work has taken me into some uncomfortable territory where I'm struggling with the ideas of 'agency' and 'empowerment'. These notions are challenging my thinking and may take time to sort through to some type of resolution. I blogged about 'Agency - Give or Take'. This helped me think through why it's important for me as an educator to think about how students are taking control of their own learning. I created a video "How I Empower Learning' as part of an invitation by the ISTE Teacher Educator Network. Since one of my own students had modelled how to use PowToon, I decided to try using this new digital tool to create my video. The topic of 'empowering learning' crystallized and became clearer. But the comparison of agency to empowerment still has me pondering about my role as a teacher - Is it a give and take relationship with students? Is it a give and take with the topics, content, issues, ideas or facts that are the focus of learning. Where do I empower learning or awaken agency? No easy answers, just more questions. But that's a good think!
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Author - HJ DeWaardDigital teacher, learner and explorer. Creating and sharing all things educational technology related. Archives
January 2016
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