How We Engage Our Students in a Passion for Learning.
, One teaching practice we implement to inform and utilise technology in our classroom is by implementing the genius hour. Each Wednesday afternoon the students are allocated one hour in which to explore their passions and creativity.
We utilise technology in the genius hour by employing the skills the students have learnt and are continuing to learn around the devices (laptops and ipads,ipad camrera) used in the classroom and the software programs
This is based on a practice which Google affords their developmental staff. Twenty percent of their work time is allocated to thier own projects of interest provided that they have a potential to advance the organisation. Out of this practice inventions such as Gmail, Google Talk, and Google news have been invented.
The important factor here derived from this business project is that the development staff do not get an increase in wage,and nor do they receive rewards. It is just a part of their contract, something outside the box ,which enables them to be truly engaged as it pertains to their own interests.This engagement promotes self directed learning and in turn promotes autonomy, mastery and purpose in what they are doing.
Therefore by allowing our students to have a say in their learning by being encouraged to explore their passions and creativity, they have become much more.engaged and confident within themselves and their ability to utilise the technological skills they have been learning to produce some outstanding projects. They are becoming more autonomous learners. Wrapped up in all of this is that the learning process has become something fun and enjoyable.
The following videos have been taken from YouTube.com . They explain the relevance of Genius hour and the importance of allowing time for the students to be inspired by their creativity.