Learning in new media environment

Watching the “learning in new media environment” testifies how we are trying to teach 21^st century learners using the 20^th century teaching and instruction. The way our classes are set, in rows, and facing the teacher, is an example of the direct instruction technique. Although there is a long discussion and numerous researches on how unfit the direct instruction is, there is still no such effect in the practice. This is mainly due to the extend that change needs to happen. For instance, a change in the direct teaching demands changes in: teacher training, school buildings, new focus for education, i.e., moving away from standardize tests, and creating new standards for various subjects. As educators, we have to prepare ourselves and our students for the future.  

visitor or resident?

More often I ask myself about this.  Am I a visitor, or a resident? Although I like to consider myself a resident, even on the Internet I am an alien, a visitor, or an immigrant. This seems to be the story of my life. I come, visit and move slowly toward residency. Even on the Internet, I am wearing my different hats. As a mom, I register kids for various classes; order contact lenses, buy sport accessories, etc. As the head of the household, I pay bills, arrange for travels, send flower, etc. As a student, I search for research papers, various articles, read summaries of books, order books, etc. In addition, though I use my various e-mail addresses to stay in touch with my classmates, friends and family, I do not have a visible status. I was not communicating in social networking, until recently. I like to learn about how things work on the computer and Internet, I find myself not having enough time to do that. I would rather spend any free time with my friends, and in face-to-face relationships. So, as all immigrants need time to be accepted in their new home as resident, I guess I can say I am in that phase now.