The computer is the most powerful learning tool ever created. So why are the majority of my professional dialogues centred around strategies for getting teachers to turn them on? 
Teachers should be the epitome of what it is to be a learner. They should model self directed learning. They should model life long learning, critical thinking and insight. Teachers should possess insight that extends far beyond the capabilities of the hardware into the realm of learning & creativity. It is not a matter of ‘making the time to learn this stuff’, it is what we do by definition!
Embrace these disruptive tools people and use them to transform and educate!
Last week I asked a group of teachers to identify the characteristics of the 21st Century learner, then I got them to read the characteristics and discuss in what ways they are 21st Century learners – that was a VERY interesting discussion. They ended up asking if 20th Century teachers can teach 21st Century learning. All in all very powerful!
ICTs have been available to teachers for 30 years – more really but working desktops arrived in the late 70s. That is the 70s in the 20th century. Have these people not been paying attention?
The world has been changing around them – have they acquired no adaptive behaviours? Got a little metacognitive?
As a 20th century teacher my answer to that question is a resounding YES! I can learn & teach in the 21st century.
minh
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