Siemens (2008) describes four metaphors of educators to argue new models of teaching pedagogy in today’s digital age. “Educator as Master Artist” implies that the instructor offers expert guidance but permits the student to draw knowledge from fellow classmates and authentic experiences. Forming learning networks is the primary role of the “Educator as Network Administrator.” The “Educator as Concierge” brings awareness to resources and guides students as they explore knowledge. Finally, Siemens (2008) notion of “Educator as Curator” presents the most valuable model of instruction. The instructor creates the best learning environment with appropriate resources and activities related to the subject. Students explore and interpret the information with supportive guidance from the instructor.
Of these representations, the educator as curator suggestion speaks the most in regards to educational culture in the digital classroom. The duties of an instructor cannot narrow to one primary task. Instead, the holistic purpose involves creating, managing, supporting, and assessing all facets of knowledge exploration. Learners construct knowledge based on individual exploration and interpretation of information using the prominent avenues of web-based instruction (Williams, 2009). Additionally, students do not need an instructor to create or reinforce connections due to the natural ease of connectivism in today’s digital world (Siemens, 2010). Yet, students do require a structured framework of the learning experience to reduce intellectual frustration and increase likelihood of success. Finally, the educator’s actions must readily engage students in subject material and cautiously facilitate the path of learning.
My haunting question after reading the four models is, “Why is it that experts feel the need to compare my role to the duties of other professional positions?” The roles and responsibilities of a true educator are not comparable to any other person employed by an organization. I say, as an educator, “I AM,” not “I am like,” when describing the special work I do on a daily basis.
However, if I must provide a metaphor, no offense to the experts, I will not use another profession as a means of representing myself. Instead, I suggest “Educator as an Eagle.” This thought came to me as I read a daily devotion from renowned evangelists Joyce Meyer (2009). The eagle, the most majestic of creatures, is the best example to describe the natural characteristics and exemplary work of an educator. The following video describes my thoughts on “Teacher as an Eagle.”
I know it is not the most advanced show in the world. However, I have been teaching my kids how to make media projects, so we worked on this together. They love doing graduate work!
References
Siemens, G. (2010, February 16). Teaching in social and technological networks. Message posted to http://www.connectivism.ca/?p=220
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
Meyer, J. (2009, May 14). Sour like an eagle. Message posted to http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090514/soar-like-an-eagle/index.html
Williams, J. (2009, November 23). From teacher to content curator. Message posted to http://authenticlearning.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/from-teacher-to-content-curator/
I totally agree with your post. Educators must set the tone within a learning environment. Teachers should investigate their students' background to learn all important information that may influence the learning process. A skilled educator will use the new information to find new tools and strategies to help meet the needs of each student.
ReplyDeleteOverall, educators must be firm and assertive within the learning process. I have seen from first hand experience when students sensed a weakness of their educator and disrupted the learning environment for the entire school year.
Your video was very inspirational. I do sense the comparison with the eagle to the teacher. As teachers, we have many responsibilities placed on our shoulders. Teachers never break under pressure and are always focused on improving the lives of their students. Great job once again.
Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteBeing firm and assertive is important. We have to show this firmness in loving ways to be truly effective. My principal always tells us that we must first show them that we love them before we can reach them. I also think that vulnerability has its place, especially with the younger students. They respect and open up when the teacher acts human. However, like you said, you cannot show your weaknesses because they will push those buttons!
I appreciate your comments.
Loved your video! You are so right in describing what a teacher is and not like. I think that particular phase seeks to compare apples and oranges.Teachers are all the attributes you gave and more. Because we work we children or young adults there are those who like to compare use to babysitters or nannies. We are not. At the end of the day, anybody who has achieved anything owes a debt of gratitude to teachers.
ReplyDelete