The Networked Student
In taking some blended classes at South Alabama, I actually have caught myself wondering, "Why do we even have a teacher in this class?" It really did make me stop and think about all of the independence children can have once they become so accustomed to Internet work. But in reality, someone still has to teach them to be so independent.
This was a great video. I am sometimes really apprehensive about being so internet dependant. I took a few online classes at a school in Utah, and really decided it wasn't for me. Some people may really like it, but I didn't. Mainly, because I didn't have a teacher in any of my classes. There were assignments, message boards, and chat rooms, but no real teacher for me to be in communication with. I really prefer to be in a traditional classroom setting with someone I know that I can turn to.
I didn't know that I could access so many wonderful professors through iTunesU!! That is absolutely incredible. It's like there is a never ending ocean of education. I really do support children learning things on their own to some degree, but I enjoy the structure of a course and learning along with a class. I guess I just have mixed feelings about the whole thing. Like I said, independent learning is probably a great thing for most people, but it's just not for me. As times change, I'm sure my opinion will too. For now, I'll stick to a more traditional approach.
A 7th Graders PLE
I can certainly see why someone of that age group would love such an extensive amount of freedom. I know that children today get really excited about new technology. She was so knowledgeable with all of the things she was explaining! I"m sure that they love it so much because they don't have to sit and stare at a text book all day to learn things. They are able to just look up the answers and information that they need, whenever they need it!
I really respected what she said about having so much freedom that it teaches them to be responsible. They are given the opportunity to get started on things early, so it would be difficult for them to fall behind. I think Skype is such a great tool for interacting with professionals who are more than willing to share their expertise. Learning from someone like that could really make a lasting impression on a topic. I'm glad that kids are learning that they are able to ask questions through email and Skype to get more information on things!
The Machine is Changing Us
Dr. Wesch makes some really interesting points in this video. YouTube is SUCH a huge resource in today's world. People can literally sit in front of a computer for hours and hours essentially "entertaining themselves to death". Children are able to use it and access it to watch and do whatever they need, right that very moment! The use of Google Books and Google Scholar are going to be such a phenomenon and a whole new way for people to learn!
Carey, I couldn't agree more on your post about the networked student. I, too, prefer to be in the traditional classroom setting. This semester is my first experience with hybrid classes and sometimes I feel so lost. I mean, it is great that there is such an unlimited amount of information to access out there but a student needs personal guidance, I think. Good post!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Carey,
ReplyDeleteYour response was a little against the grain in contrast to some of your peers... So Stephen and I decided to make a podcast response to it. Please watch our response by following this link.
We have a question for you at the end, please respond in this thread or with your own video which you can post on my blog!
Anthony
You are really lucky to get a "non-traditional" comment on your blog post. A podcast reply! My responses have been just text. Anthony and Stephen have set an example, however, that I must learn from.
ReplyDeleteI am eager to read/hear/watch your response. How will you reply?
Carey, I completely understand your point. I spend a lot of time developing relationships with my students. Often it is this relationship that allows students the security they need in my classroom to do something they may not do in another class; the assignment.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have learned a lot from the internet, it is usually the conversations that I have with others that really spark my thinking. We may be able to learn individually, but in my opinion we can learn better and more completely when we have the opportunity to share with each other.