The Networked Student-By Wendy Drexler
This veideo was very intriguing. It truly made me question, "What will be my role as a "teacher" in the coming years?" I do see this change coming but I honeslty think that, in this area, we are not nearly as close to this revelation as other parts of the country and world may be. We are just now really getting to where technology is used widely in every classroom with the addition of SmartBoards in the classrooms-but many classrooms do not even have Smart Boards yet. I do think that we are going to eventually head in the directon of the student in this video but I do not foresee it being in the immediate future. When this does happen, however, my role will be greatly changed. I won't be needed to teach my students this information. I will simply be needed to teach them how to find it on their own. By teaching them this skill they can learn anything.
A Seventh Grader's PLN
I was very impressed by this PLN and the way it was implemented into the classroom. I like that this gave me a visual idea of how to use this PLN in a classroom. I honestly think that, at this point, her PLN is a whole lot better than mine. But this did motivate me to continue to work on my own PLN so that I can reach the level she did-one day. I also really like what she said about what this freedom does for her. She mentioned that she could be using this time to get on facebook but because her teacher has put so much trust in her she feels the need to be responsible and do her work at this time. I think that it helps that she actually has something interesting to share with the entire world to show for her work instead of a report she will turn into her teacher or possibly share with the class. I am very intrigued by this type of learning.
Smart Board Pros versus Cons
It was very difficult for me to find a review of the SmartBoard that did not go along with the negative view of the posts we were assigned to read. I googled, changed my search and googled again. Finally I found this blog post. The author of this post (who is not names) has an opinion that is completely opposite of Michael Staton or Bill Ferriter. Where Staton and Ferriter both think that SMART Boards are glorified dry erase boards and a waste of money. The Author of the College Education blog I found addresses this idea as a problem but says that when used to their full potential instead of as a projector they are very effective teaching materials.
Hello Jacob,
ReplyDeleteI too think that my PLN isn't quite as advanced as it could be, which is not to say that my PLN is inadequate. It's just a work in progress, and I guess that essentially all PLN's are. We never stop growing as learners, expanding our reach, and meeting new people. PLN's, as is life, aren't static. They're progressive.
As to Smartboards, I had the same problem of finding a blog post or article, but I eventually hit upon a few that gave me something to work with. I actually found an entire study done on the effectiveness of Smartboards if used properly and fully by teachers. My finding was that if teachers were enthusiastic about the technology and used it to include the students in the learning process, there was a higher rate of overall enjoyment and student success.
It all comes down to how something is used.
Thanks for the post!
Bailey
"... but I do not foresee it being in the immediate future." Can we afford to wait. Is there a time when we will have have lost the race? How near is that? What should we do? Just wait? Or act? Now!
ReplyDelete"this did motivate me to continue to work on my own PLN..." Exactly my intention! Bailey hit the nail on the head in her comment above. Learning never ends nor should the growth of our PLN!
We often have to change and try again. that will be your way of life as an educator in the 21st century!
Bailey,
ReplyDeleteGreat comment!
You wrote: "It's just a work in progress, and I guess that essentially all PLN's are. We never stop growing as learners, expanding our reach, and meeting new people. PLN's, as is life, aren't static. They're progressive. " You are ABSOLUTELY correct. Learning never ends and neither should the growth of our PLN.
Thanks!