Taylor Anne Wesley's Blog

This remix connects the long-standing roots of learner-centered pedagogy with the current movement for open, inclusive, and participatory education.   “Education is not an affair of ‘telling’ and being told, but an active and constructive process.”  — John Dewey , Democracy and Education (1916) “ When we say that we want education to be ‘open,’ we mean that we want it to be more inclusive, more democratic, and more participatory —in its content and in its process.” — Robin DeRosa , Open Pedagogy advocate, from Extreme Makeover: Pedagogy Edition (2017)

  I think open pedagogy is a great idea because it gives students more voice and choice in their learning, which can make them more engaged. However, I have some concerns. Not all students are ready to work independently, and I think it could be overwhelming without enough support. It also creates extra work for teachers, who need time and resources to make it work. Overall, I like the idea, but it needs to be done carefully and with support for everyone involved.

  Open Discussion History Chapter Extreme Makeover

  For my first project, I’ve decided to challenge myself with a 7-day social media detox .  Specifically, I will avoid using Instagram and TikTok after 6:00 PM each day .  These two platforms take up a lot of my evening time, often without me realizing how much. I want to see what happens when I create some space from them — especially during the part of the day when I should be winding down.  Wish me luck! 

  In this image, we see two books—one open , bursting with flowers, and one closed , quietly nestled among blossoms.  When I think about openness in technology , I imagine an open book: inviting, expressive, and ready to be shared with the world. It symbolizes ideas flowing freely, like blog posts, public discussions, and collaborative projects. The open book is a space for growth, interaction, and connection. In contrast, privacy feels like a closed book—not shut off, but protected . Like the image, it’s not lifeless or silent. The flowers around it show that private spaces still hold beauty, growth, and meaning. Privacy allows us to think, reflect, and create without judgment or exposure. Neither one is better—they simply serve different roles in how we learn, create, and express ourselves online

 

  Create: Digital tools empower students and teachers to design, build and express ideas in new ways!  Connect: Technology allows us to connect across time and space. Student to content, student to student and student to teacher. Collaborate: Learning does not have to be isolated. Digital spaces invite teamwork, shared ideas and co-creation!  Learn: The HEART of all teaching. Technology supports multiple ways to learn based on interest, pace and needs. Grow: Students and teachers can grow academically and personally through feedback, reflection and adaptive tools Repeat: The cycle of creating, connecting and learning is continuous and improves skills, knowledge and confidence!

  READ Gardner Campbell Doug Belshaw Ryan Boren WRITE The Future of Digital Teaching and Learning  My vision for the future of digital teaching and learning is that it becomes fully accessible to everyone no matter their background, ability, or location. We've already made big strides with technology in education, and I believe we can keep going. I imagine learning that's inclusive, student driven, and co-designed with the learners themselves. Students should have a voice in what and how they learn, using digital tools not just to consume information, but to create, collaborate, and grow in ways that matter to them. PARTICIPATE EDU 522 Subjectives "Goals" for myself

What can you do to help others develop greater integrity and stand up for their beliefs? In today’s world, having integrity and standing up for what you believe in is more important than ever. Here are two ways to help other develop greater integrity and stand up for their beliefs.       1. Model Behavior You can show integrity by being honest, respectful and taking responsibility for your actions even when it is hard (that is when it is the most important). If you make a mistake, own it. When others see that, they learn that integrity is about doing the right thing, not being perfect. 2. Create a Safe Environment Make sure you are someone who creates a safe space for others to speak up and be themselves. That means listening without judgement, encouraging open conversations and being a support system. When people know they are respected and valued, they are more likely to stand up for what they believe in.

  Welcome to my Blog! Hello, sunshines! 🌞 My name is Taylor Anne Wesley, and I’m a 5th-year 6th grade teacher. I teach science and social studies, and I absolutely love what I do! Fun fact: I teach at the same school I attended as a student and I now work alongside some of the teachers who once taught me. Woah! Full circle moment! Truthfully, I didn’t always enjoy school growing up. In fact, I struggled with how I was treated and often felt out of place. That experience is what inspired me to become the teacher I never had. To create a classroom environment that feels safe, welcoming, and joyful, where students are excited to come to school and can truly be themselves. Outside of teaching, I love spending time on social media (influencer side hustle haha), going thrifting, exploring local coffee shops, and getting lost in a good book. ☕📚 I’m excited to see how this “blog” space grows and evolves throughout the course.  Thanks for joining me!