How did I miss these TEDx Talks? Guess I had my head down "in the trenches" when they were posted, but I truthfully don't even remember reading about them!
In March of last year, several of my favorite thinkers spoke at the American School of Bombay, and the resulting videos are posted at the bottom of this page as reference. The theme of TEDxASB was Identity, and (one of my professional heroes) Doug Johnson's 18 minutes are embedded below--he muses about how our "digital natives'" identity must change what we do as educators.
The part that resonates with me is near the end of Doug's presentation, when he recounts Clay Shirky's story about bringing home a huge new LCD TV for his family. His young daughter, rather than being impressed, immediately asked, "Where's the mouse?"
Engagement rather than entertainment is what our students demand from schools. Johnson's challenge to us is that we all create a environments in our classrooms, libraries, schools that foster engagement--active interest. Our kids deserve that.
I wonder if my library program is engaging to all my students. I don't really think it is. I know for certain that it isn't for some students--especially those who are so thoroughly unengaged in the entire school experience.
What does that look like in an elementary library with a fixed schedule? I'd love to hear from others what they think!
Here are the other great TEDxASB presentations. They are all very much worth your time and thought! These are some amazing people! Engaging and entertaining! :)
