This morning I woke up to yet another White House scandal. Part of me wants to ignore anything and everything coming out of the White House and the other part of me is offended by the sullying of a symbol of leadership I have always respected and admired. I am not naive, there have been White House scandals in the past, but I don't think I have ever witnessed the degradation of the office of the President in such a deliberate manner. One of my daughters is a journalist and I have convinced her to read "All the President's Men" because I think it provides a powerful demonstration of the power of the Press to inform. I agree with Oprah when she says she has never valued the press more and its important role of keeping us informed. There will always be fake news, grocery store tabloids have made a fortune on just that, but a free, unfettered press is one of the corner stones of a democratic society. So what does all this have to do with Modern Learning?
Modern Learning provides a forum for student voice and choice. It provides the opportunity for students to tackle big issues, learn about them using resources and voices beyond the classroom environment and then encourages them to do something with their learning. Creating a product for a real audience is a critical piece in Modern Learning. It is the piece that provides students with a sense of efficacy and power.
It is easy in this day and age to feel overwhelmed by all of the negativity we are continually bombarded with. Many are documenting the growing problem of depression among our young people and the finger is getting pointed directly at cell phones, technology and social media. During the First World War families could wait months before hearing about battles that may have taken the lives of their loved ones. Today we can witness battles in real time. When young people are surrounded by conflict and complete disregard for human dignity it is not surprising many might be feeling hopeless.
Through Modern Learning we can learn with our young people and support them in taking action. We can show them they don't have to be the solution but they can be part of the solution. We can fill them with optimism and the desire to make change. I was heartened to see Colleges in the States are already rallying the youth vote. They will be using technology and social media to encourage young people to commit to making a difference by casting their votes. It is a perfect example of how social media can support a movement for change. It can inspire, motivate and create positive energy.
Modern Learning requires us as teachers to actively participate in the environments where our students dwell. To ask big questions, challenge the "fake news" and inspire students to believe in a better future. Modern Learning isn't just about preparing for the future, it is about dealing with the now.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
