Monday, November 16, 2009
Selling Lessons Plans (PLN)
Today, I was browsing the New York Times and happened to see this article. It discusses teachers who are selling lesson plans online. If music technology class has taught me anything, it is that sharing materials and ideas can be so simple today. I wondered about educators who feel they must purchase lesson plans online, and whether or not they are aware of how they can communicate with colleagues in other schools. For music teachers, this is especially pertinent because there is probably only one specialist or so per school. Purchasing lesson plans is an easy way to find materials, however, I believe that in order to teach a great lesson, you must be invested in the creation of it.
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I think you're right. I think that while it isn't necessarily essential, I do believe that teachers are most effective and credible if and when they are teaching their own material. I think that this is an example of technology as a double-edged sword in that it is making communication easier and yet possibly 'dumbing us down.'
ReplyDeleteWow - I've never heard of this. I agree with your thoughts (and Nathan's). It also seems strange to me that someone would try to make money off of a lesson plan concept when it's so much more beneficial to the profession to share ideas freely (both literally and figuratively).
ReplyDeleteChristina,
ReplyDeleteI agree that it has been interesting to learn all the ways that educators can share ideas and develop lessons through Technology-Assisted Music Teaching and Learning. This also makes me wonder about teachers selling lesson plans, and other teachers using those lessons plans. I can appreciate the fact that someone who invested time and creativity into something such as a lesson would like to profit from it. However, one of the great things about our profession and the technology available today is that we can share ideas, which we can build upon and help each other to become better teachers and provide students with the best possible education. Therefore, I believe that if you find something to be successful you should share it with others and vice versa. I also agree that when you invest your own time and creativity into a lesson it helps to meet the needs of your students and helps to create a successful lesson. I believe that educators should continue to work to share ideas to improve education, and that we should not limit our resources.