We want to try your inventions. We want to employ the modern day science, creativity, and innovation you bring to learning. You invite us readily, but our time is ever so limited.
How can you help us to help you?
First, just as you've done, reach out to us via email, conferences, blogs, and social media. We're there, and we're listening. We're motivated to help our students in exciting, innovative, cutting edge ways.
Next, give us some time and if possible a few dollars too. Right now if you want educators to try out your products start lining us up for next summer with a bit of financial compensation and time, and we'll bring you our classroom know how, standards, and perspectives. During the school year our creative time is very limited since we're mostly on task with lots of children all the time, but because we're on task with lots of children all the time, we will bring your beta testing lots of good knowledge about the ways in which children learn, current teaching/learning environments, and the possibilities that exist.
Finally, look for ways to advocate for moving education forward. Teachers often have small voices in the ed world sadly--many circle above us and around us, but few to none ever really take the time to talk to us, listen to our ideas, and work with us. The same is true for the children we teach. Hence advocate for better schools, learning communities, streamlined systems, less testing, and more invigorated learning experiences.
I think there's real opportunity for the world of invention and education to come together today. I've started to see it play out in my world for the betterment of student learning, engagement,and happiness. There's lots of room for growth in this regard. I'd love to play with some new tools this summer, and know a few colleagues who are open minded to this opportunity as well.
