Top 10 Takeaways from Alan November’s “Who Owns the Learning”
One of our blogging friends, The Incidental Techie (@teacherdebra), has just posted her top 10 takeaways from Alan November’s book, Who Owns the Learning. She begins:
“I recently read Alan November’s book, Who Owns the Learning and, of course, was inspired again, by what I read. I have heard Alan November speak live and as I read, heard his easy-mannered voice come through each word on the page. Many highlights later, I thought I would share some with you.”
Read the rest of her post, here. Then, we invite you to read Who Owns the Learning for yourself.
I was able to see Alan speak this August, 2013 in Orange County, CA. I just finished reading this book, and am using examples from his wisdom to reiterate the goals of my presentation in speaking with California school leaders next week at the EISS (Early Intervention for School Success) Administrative Symposium. I have served as a principal for 18 years, and share in his passion for empowering students to lead in their learning, and for teachers to make the subject material relevant to the lives of students. His words are truly motivational. I read each chapter, reflecting on how my seventh grade daughter uses the technology at her fingertips…outside of school, and for many hours…even during summer. I also made a video of her sharing her experiences with the use of Wattpad, and Instragram to share her writing about fan fiction that she creates for a global audience. It is inspiring to listen to her talk about it. So, virtually, I am bringing her to speak with me. As the National Distinguished Principal for the state of California, I am eager to share the vision. As Alan does, I wish every teacher would have the insight, excitement, and drive that these students have about what they are creating, and the legacy they leave. Thank you for the platform to share my thoughts. – Dr. C
We are using Alan’s book as part of our Tech Visioning PD Days. As educators, we must continually reflect on our work to ensure that our students are prepared to be successful in a globally competitive career marketplace. To that end, students need to be appropriately taught and provided opportunities to safely, ethically, and effectively use technology to gain understanding at the highest levels of any taxonomy (Blooms, Webb’s DOK etc.). Such a use of the device aligns to what Alan November described as a Digital Learning Farm model. In the model, teachers “guide students in the complex tasks of innovation and problem solving, and in doing work that makes a contribution to the learning processes of others” (November, 2012, p. 18). This section and statement in particular has led to some excellent conversations.