BWP: Chapter 10 & Epilogue

This final chapter was really telling us not only what to expect in the future, but what we as educators must do to prepare. I really appreciated the "major shifts" headings as some information I had forgotten that was near the start of the book. This chapter was a great indicator of what changes we can anticipate for our future teaching positions. One of the shifts that really stuck a chord with me was "Many, Many Teachers and 24/7 Learning". I think originally I might have been inclined to see students relying upon other teachers for deeper knowledge might have left me feeling like I was somehow failing my students, that I wasn't able to provide for them as I should have. But, while teachers are knowledgeable, there are a seldom few who would deem themselves experts in everything. It's great that students are able to turn to the internet to enhance and continue their learning when their curiosity must be satisfied. Plus, while my students might network and connect with teachers from around the world on their educational journey, I too might find myself building relationships with students from other schools to better serve them. I think I need to stop worrying so much that I need to be the person with all the answers. I know if there's something I don't know, I turn to the internet; as should my students.

I really liked the Epilogue at the end of this book. Throughout reading, I was able to get a pretty good understanding of all the different tools and technology available for our use, but I wasn't entirely sure how someone like me would make use of them on a daily basis. It was incredibly helpful to have a brief scenario given to allow me to understand how I might one day use similar technologies when I'm a teacher. Truth be told, I sort of expected many of these technologies would be pretty time consuming, but it only took Tom McHale about 45 minutes to do all that he wanted. This book has really been a huge help into not only what I want my students to use, but what I want to use as well.