Its me, once again, surprise! This week I thought I'd take a little bit of time to talk about some of the new tech I've encountered that's being used by educators at this very moment. I'm sure the vast majority of you have heard of the Cube. Actually, I'm quite positive that nearly everyone reading this blog has heard of it (mostly because we were at the same presentation, hi friends!). But I digress, let's talk about the Cube. First things first, I just want to get this out of the way now, but I have absolutely no idea why its called the Cube. I probably should have asked, because its plagued me since the presentation, but I suppose its too late now. But its time for real discussion, I swear.
From what I learned, the Cube is basically a place where teachers can share, discuss, and trade their teaching resources. Everything appeared neatly organized and easy to access, which is definitely a bonus. To further sweeten the pot for you prospective teachers, the Cube is members only. Gone are the useless additions by people who have no idea what they're talking about! That's another bonus for me right there at least.
I didn't exactly start this post looking to review the Cube, however. The Cube is just a jumping point to a large topic, namely, sharing resources. I've seen both ends of the spectrum here. I've worked with teachers who couldn't shove enough lesson plans in front of me if they tried. But I've also seen the opposite; teachers who guard their plan binders as if they'd found treasure and didn't want to share. I, for the life of me, cannot understand the latter. If you have a genuinely good idea that works well in your own practice, why wouldn't you want to share it? Its not as if there are education royalties where you'll be paid X amount of money every time someone uses a lesson plan.
I'm pretty sure, or at least, I hope, that the knowlede hoarders are a minority. I haven't had enough experience to judge that for sure. What I did find particularly interesting was that resources like the Cube don't exist already. Now I don't want to devalue the Cube (especially because I plan to make heavy use of it), but in this day and age I'm kind of astounded nothing as streamlined as it exists already. There's a giant push for 21st century skills and literacies to be included in the classroom so I had just assumed the same efforts would be worked into the practice of teaching as well. Since that may not be the case just yet, at least it will start with the Cube!
I saw some of my numerous viewers noticed the lack of artwork last post and for that I apologize profusely! To make up for it, first of all, here's another of Jared Africa's works. Titled BOOOOOOOOM! (with 8 O's, I counted), its a prime example of how strange and wild art can be.
Jared Africa
BOOOOOOOOM!
And another image, as a further apology. To contrast Jared's work, here's the complete opposite end of the spectrum. This pencil drawing, by Julie Rhodes, is titled Keeping Watch. That linework! The value structure! Just lovely.
Julie Rhodes
Keeping Watch
Until next time Internet!
Thanks for the artwork! Just seems now that no blog post from you would be the same without some artwork at the end! I hope so too that it's a minor number of teachers that hoard their materials...but I would not bet on that. Although there is this huge push for 21st century skills/learning, and use of technology, etc., it is all focused on the students however. It seems teachers and educators have forgotten about themselves. Collaborative learning should be a goal for the students, as well as amongst teachers!
ReplyDeleteVery cool artwork, Thank you for sharing!! You said in your blog you intend to utilize the Cube. Have you by any chance taken a good look at the Cube already? If so, have you found any useful resources for art?
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think sharing resources and information among teachers is always helpful. I have received great advice from educators with many years of experience. It is always beneficial hearing what others have to say!
There are lots of Cubes around but this was is really designed for Ontario so even better. But you are right to wonder why folks don't share. Sharing is the New Story. It is Open Source. And it is teachers finally being proud of what they do. In the Old Story teachers did not let their lights shine. Maybe in this new competitive culture they have to show the world what they are thinking/doing. It's got to be good as long as it is collaborative methinks. :-)
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