Guide on the side? Can we do that?

Can we, as educators, learn to let go of the reign 

Can we, as educators, learn to let go of the reigns? Can we let go and remain in control of the class? The following is quote from Rose and Meyers' Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age:

In his book Avatars of the Word, James Joseph O'Donnell speculates on what the real roles of educators will be in an information-rich world:

[It will be] to advise, guide, and encourage students wading through the deep waters of the information flood. [Educators] will thrive as mentors, tutors, backseat drivers, and coaches. They will use the best skill they have . . . to nudge, push, and sometimes pull students through the educationally crucial tasks of processing information: analysis, problem solving, and synthesis of ideas. These are the heart of education, and these are the activities on which our time can best be spent. (O'Donnell, 1998, p. 156)

This is the vision that connects Universal Design for Learning to other educational reform. Instead of being "just one more thing," the UDL framework provides a way to make various approaches to educational change more feasible by incorporating new insights on learning and new applications of technology.(Rose, D & Meyer M, 2002)

As educators, we are have to manage classroom behavior. Some teachers have different tools. Some maintain classroom management by using strict schedules and order. Some require undivided attention from the students. We have been taught to "lead the classroom". Much has been said about overcoming teachers' objections to technology. I think one of our fears is loss of classroom management. As we accept that times are changing, we have to accept that we are not in control. This is difficult. I would be interested to hear from younger teachers, how this is being addressed in education courses being taught in colleges, now. Are new teachers being groomed to stand on the side? How are they taught to maintain classroom management from the "back seat?.