Something for your drive home…Getting smart in a digital world
Hopefully some of you were able to take a listen to the podcast episode I recommended in the previous newsletter.
The episode I am recommending for this week is where Louka chats with Tom Vander Ark.
https://www.thelearningfuture.com/the-learning-future-podcast/educationtransformed-7
In this episode Louka and Tom discuss the benefit and risk of innovating on and within systems as well as the potential of Generative AI to influence education. After listening to the conversation I was intrigued to dive deeper into Tom’s work. His website www.gettingsmart.com is definitely worth spending some time in.
This week I spent Monday and Tuesday working on upskilling staff at two of our schools in the Project Based Learning (PBL) space, we were focused on making learning meaningful and connected to community. This is an excellent article written by Tom and his team that explores why teaching students using PBL methodology (something he has been advocating for many years) continues to be a successful approach even in this exponentially changing world. You can read the article here: Preparing-To-Lead-in-a-Project-Based-World.pdf (gettingsmart.com)
Term Break Listening – Podcast Recommendations For Learning and Personal Growth
For educators, the term break presents a unique opportunity to rest, reflect, and recharge. Among the myriad ways to engage in personal and professional development during this time, listening to educational podcasts stands out as a particularly beneficial activity. Podcasts offer a convenient, flexible, and engaging way to gain new insights, stay informed about the latest trends in education, and hear from thought leaders in the field—all without the commitment of more formalised professional development courses.
Whether you’re on a leisurely walk, taking a long drive, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, podcasts can seamlessly integrate into your break activities, turning downtime into a productive learning experience. From exploring innovative teaching strategies and classroom management techniques to understanding educational psychology and leadership principles, the range of topics available caters to a wide array of interests and professional needs.
Furthermore, podcasts foster a sense of connection and community among educators. Listening to the experiences and advice of peers and experts can offer solace, inspiration, and a reminder that you’re part of a larger, supportive community dedicated to nurturing the next generation. As the term break unfolds, consider making podcasts a companion in your journey of continuous learning and personal growth.
Lately I have been catching up on the conversations that our good friend and colleague Louka Parry has been having. A couple of episodes I highly recommend are:
Getting Smart with Tom Vander Ark: https://www.thelearningfuture.com/the-learning-future-podcast/educationtransformed-7
Redefining Good-Behaviour and Engagement with Professor Stephanie Jones: https://www.thelearningfuture.com/the-learning-future-podcast/educationtransformed-17
Kimberley Powell
Learning Leader: Innovation
kim.powell@levnt.edu.au
The Rest is History/ Martin Luther Legacy
Spending many hours in the car, I listen to quite a few Podcasts. One of my favourites is called; ‘The Rest is History’ which features two British historians Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland riffing on all manner of topics from JFK, the Titanic and James Bond! Just recently they released an excellent 5-part podcast on Martin Luther and the Reformation in which they declare, as secular historians, that Martin Luther is possibly the most influential person in history! I encourage you to check it out. It is really engaging and gives a sense not only of the theological issues, but also the interplay of politics, social change and the enduring legacy of Luther’s ideas in the modern world. I listen through Podbean but you will be able to find this on most podcast platforms. Feel free to send in your recommendations for my listening pleasure.
David Spike
Pastor for Ministry and Formation
David.spike@levnt.edu.au
