The Networked Student
This video is a great example of why we are doing what we do in this class. Learning is not just about reading a textbook or about doing assignments in the classroom. It is also about taking some initiative and using resources that some of us might not have realized were available to build up a knowledge base. I did not know about a lot of the programs or sites that were mentioned in this video prior to this class and still have not fully explored each of them, but they are useful tools not only to learn but to help others to learn. Networking with other students and professionals in the field is so useful to education.
Why does the Networked student need a teacher? I thought it was very good of the video makers to address this question, because it is one that I think a lot of people have. Teachers are not just around to spout off facts for their students to make sure that they can spit it back out on a test. They are there to encourage, to motivate, to help, and to inspire. Not all teachers take on this role, but those that do leave lasting impressions on their students' lives, rather than just a basic knowledge of math or science. Teachers like Ms. Drexler and our own Dr. Strange are actually preparing their students for the future by teaching them to do things for themselves. This is important, because there won't always be someone there to point out to us what to read and how to find things that we may need. Through this class and others like it we are building our own network of knowledge.
Am I ready to be a teacher of a networked student? I think I had better be! Through a lot of the reading we have done for this class, I have seen that things are really changing in education. From the use of iPods in the classroom to students creating their own podcasts, technology in the classroom has come a long way in the few short years that I have been out of school and it will only continue to do so.
It was really interesting to see the resources that this teacher is using in her seventh grade science class. I enjoy checking out this type of assignment because it gives me ideas of how to use technology in my own classroom. Through her PLE, these students were able to get into contact with scientists around the world as well as read up on things that interested them, like this little girl did with the box jellyfish, and create projects based on their findings. This was a great way to incorporate technology into education!
The Smart Board Debate
Both of those who were against Smart Boards in the classroom cited that they were basically more expensive versions of equipment that is already available to teachers at a much lower price. Some examples included overhead projectors, transparencies, and scanners. The other site, which is pro-Smart Boards, explains their many uses. One great benefit of the Smart Board is that they seem to get students attention and encourages their involvement as well as makes them more acceptive of technology in the classroom.
Each of them make good points. When I was doing observations last semester, I was in a school that had a few Smart Boards. As far as I could tell, they were only being used like a regular white board and I really wasn't sure why someone would want to spend so much money on one if that was all that it could do. I suppose it really depends on the teacher and the amount of work put into making the board useful to their lesson plans.
My sources for the debate :
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that teachers will always be needed in education because like you mentioned, the influential teachers are the ones who encourage, motivate, assist, and inspire. These teachers definitely make a difference in the students' lives because they actually care about each individual student. Our role as teachers is not to simply teach our content area, but we are there to love the students and show them their potential. We need to help prepare our students for the future and encourage and support them along the way.