It has been two days since #marcusdrought2k13 and I'm still giggling. I wasn't there for the drought, but I followed it on twitter. Actually, it wasn't even a drought. Basically, the water went out for a few hours at a high school of 3,000+. Good gracious, one would've thought they were all dying over there.
Reflecting back on the experience, I've gathered that our students really aren't uninspired & mindless; they're brilliant! They make amazing, and even ridiculous hyperbolic, connections with history. They create satirical quips about building leaders, and they can manipulate pictures using various apps to create hilarious visuals. They do this all in less than 140 characters- and typically when the teacher thinks they're working on something else!
So, the real reflection now is how as educators can we get students to have this level of engagement and use these same skills in their own personal learning!
What does twitter provide that creates an atmosphere for creative thinking? How does it readily host safe banter and insights to souls?
Well, it's not face to face - but most know each other or at least pass periodically in hallways or at football games! The audience is limitless and your place in twitterdom hierarchy is noted by your number of followers, retweets, and favorites! The feedback is immediate. The dings on their mobile devices provide confidence and encouragement quickly. Their minds race to top their last thought! They connect quickly with people all around the world - getting feedback, gaining confidence.
Hard to imagine why students lack creativity in class when they're receiving a grade for their reflections and thoughts. After all, the reader is well-educated and has the power to affect students class ranking or at least whether they're are grounded for the weekend.
So, a teen doesn't get the feedback he/she had hoped to get when sharing their 140 character bon mot? Delete it. Try again -and it's not even considered a failure. Immediately, teens move on to their next attempt at twitter fame, conjuring up creativity and blessings from the twitter gods!
Bottom line, I had a hard time getting much done during #marcusdrought2k13 - not because I was thirsty (even though I drank more water & visited the restroom more just following the saga) but because it was funny and engaging. Our students are brilliant minds. They never cease to amaze me. I want to see this same creative urgency in classrooms.
So, while I'd never wish a waterless day for any school, I have to say that I miss the updates to #marcusdrought2k13 and kinda look forward to the next epic teen tragedy.
