My last post expressed my questions about how to seamlessly incorporate 21st century learning concepts in a language arts concept and I have recently finish A New Culture of Learning (Thomas and Brown). This book was recommended by my AP when he told me that Tim was reading as part of their FOCUS group. I asked Tim to bring it home and I began to work my way through it.
Much of the book revolves around massive multi-player online games (MMOs). I get what the authors are saying - that MMOs create this collective that develops true tacit knowledge. What I never got was exactly how to take this into my classroom. I don't think it's advocating playing World of Warcraft in my class, but it's more about taking what is working through that game and finding a way to implement that.
When all was said and done the book talks about how learning in the 21st century doesn't lead you to answers, but leads you to more questions. I can definitely say that this book gave me NO answers, but only leaves me with more questions. I just don't know if their ideas spark my passion and motivation enough to continue on the path of MMOs and middle school language arts. I guess we'll see.
Hey Amber! I came across a blog that I thought might have some useful tools for your studetns. The address is...http://mrplough07.blogspot.com/. I'll keep you in mind when I'm out there looking for ideas.
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