I attended a Research in Education Symposium and was invigorated by the wealth or knowledge and research presented during the sessions. Here are some of my thoughts on a few sessions I attended.
Session 1: Social and cultural influences on ICT policy (Hunter & Austin)
This session discussed ICT in Albert, NFL and Ireland. It was interesting to see the trends and development of that ICT policy has based on social and cultural developments within a country. The historical and political events that occur within a current are reflected in a countries ICT policy within education.
Session 2: Media(ting) identities: Digital identity projects in an ESL classroom (Eamer & Hughes)
This session involved a look into engaging ELL students in two different classrooms (different grades and schools) by helping them develop digital poetry about themselves. We saw two examples of work created by students which demonstrated student self reflection, personal identification within a new culture and comparisons between the culture in their countries of origin vs Canada. Students used powerful images, words and sound/music to convey their identities. I believe this study demonstrates the necessity and benefit of educators encouraging ELL students to reflect about themselves through media and literacy in a safe, fun and motivating environment.
Session 3: Digital Technologies & SDL (Bullock)
This session was about encouraging and developing self-directed learning (SDL) in digital technologies in teacher education. I found this session particularly enlightening in the area of self-directed learning. Teacher candidates were encouraged to choose an area of digital technology for SDL and follow through on their study of it via their in school placements etc. I think the concept of SDL is key for all educators because an educator should always be continuously learning, reflecting and researching to better their own practice. This session was a reminder that no one can focus an individual to "learn" - the process and cognitive change can only occur if an individual makes it happen.
Closing Keynote: Teaching at the cusp: Coping with technology and research (Hunter)
This closing keynote presentation was a perfect way to end the symposium. What I took away from it was the emphasis on educators being researchers in order to benefit of our students. All other professions have research components and as educators, we cannot call ourselves professionals unless we are continuously learning, researching and inquiring about concepts, methods, ideas and theories pertaining to education.
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