k12online08 | Kostyniuk's Weblog

For my third K-12 Online Conference review I watched “Leading the Change – Overcoming Entropy.”

The definition of entropy is the amount of energy that is not available for work during a certain process, and a measure of the disorder or randomness in a closed system. This presentation goes on about how we can change the course of education without causing entropy. We as teachers need to be able to change the way our students learn and introduce new ideas without causing chaos.

I found this conference to be very interesting. It was about many ways that we can change the classroom and help students without causing chaos in the classroom. We need to be able to relate to our students, and help them along the path of learning. This can be a painfully slow process, but by relating to them by telling stories and coaching them, we are able to create a relationship that will slowly change our students for the better. We can tell stories, look at our students perspectives, and listen to our students. We need to figure out what our students want, how we can connect with them, and lead by example. As a teacher we need to create positive energy in the classroom and reflect upon learning, and take away any barriers in our students way.

The quote at the end of the presentation was a great way to end off the presentation. This quote was, “In the process of changing to a new model of teaching and learning, it’s all about balancing energy and entropy, but never seeking a static balance. If the breeze of energy continues to blow on your balanced mobile of change, the elements will continue to move in new configurations.” (Candace Shively)

I believe that if our students are used to constant change, they will be able to handle a constant flow of new information and learning and use it to their advantage.