In the YouTube video, “The Networked Student”, the creator shows us how using all different types of technology can help students learn. I think these resources can help students learn but they need to be taught about the resources available to them and how use them from an educational point of view.
Many students think Twitter and Facebook are all about socializing with their friends and teachers need to show them how these sites can help them learn. As a new Twitter user myself, I thought it was all about people, who had nothing better to do, then post about what they had for breakfast or where they were shopping that day. But then, I got a job as an elementary school media specialist and the other media specialists showed me how useful it can be. I follow a group of media specialists and they post wonderful things such as great books reviews, lessons on starting discussion groups about different books, online resources that have been particularly helpful and many, many websites that offer all different kinds of information that I can pass on to my students. With technology so much of the future, it is important that our students can find the resources they need and that they learn how to tell which resources are valid and which are just for fun.
Another reason it is import for students to learn about all the online resources is how fast things change in today’s world. How often do you see a resource book and find the information in it is already out of date – even when it is only a few months old. Learning to use online resources and using them to connect yourself with others is the best way to stay on top of the most up to date information available.
Thanks.
Stacy A
Drexler, W. (n.d.). The Networked Student. YouTube.
Gunter, Glenda. (2010) Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom. (6th Ed.) Boston MA. Course Technology.
I would love to follow those tweets about good books and other resources. I think Media Specialists are a forgotten, yet important, part of the school system.
ReplyDeleteANd yes, technology is changing so fast, it is hard to keep up, but as educators, especially as a resource staff at a school, don't you think it's even more important to be "up" on your new technologies so you can share with the students and staff? Do you do Webquest's with your students?
Emilie Zayas
I think Wendy addressed the need for teaching the required technology skills in her video. I took away that teaching the technology and critical analysis skills involved with searching the internet were the primary teaching responibilities of the teacher.
ReplyDeleteI too am highly skepical of facebook and twitter but can see their use in a constructivist assingment. It is a nice way to advertise your findings to your peers so they can check out what they found. I don't find a lot of other benefit for them. To me they work essentially like sending a mass e-mail to your team about a resource you found.
To teach with a constructivist focus I think teachers have to get in a different mindset. You are not teaching the content or standard that the students are being assessed on. THe students are responisble for finding that knowledge. However the teacher has to be really good at empowering and directing students to good information and monitoring their progress.