Reflection #3 EDF 2085

A paradigm is an individual’s informed point of view on a specific event, their perception on a certain thing based on their knowledge. The way we carry ourselves is directly connected to paradigms, which vary from person because it is specific to a person depending on their religion, gender and occupation. It represents who we are and where we come from since it is also influenced by one’s culture. We use it to know what’s wrong or right in our realities. Paradigm shifts are also a change in perspective that occurs when our beliefs are shaken or when we have gathered new information that satisfies our concerns. I think everyone has gone through a few paradigm shifts in the course of their life. In my case the use of the computers has played an important role in my personal life. I remember when I was young I had seen a computer in my father’s office and thought it was an advanced machine only used for work environments, I was not even allowed to touch it. In today’s society the use of computers is a requirement, and there’s one in almost every household. Along with the computer, the Internet has made it easy for people to communicate and share information of any kind. It’s been a long time since emails have taken over letters. If I had to do research for a project I no longer go to the library but instead use my computer to find what I need. From the comfort of my home just by pressing a button I can purchase a plane ticket, rent a hotel, a car and even buy a pizza. When I was 12, I would call all my friends from my house phone and I remember having to memorize their number but now that I own a cell phone it’s hard to even remember my own number. I depend on my personal phone more than anything because I use it like an agenda, organizer, and most importantly a watch.

Teachers must experience paradigm shifts in order to accept their environment. As part of their jobs, educators must learn to perceive thing with a more globalized perspective to be able to interact with children of diverse ethnicities and with different learning levels as well as disabilities. They must also learn to quickly adapt to these changes since they will present throughout their careers.