Thursday, February 21, 2013

Blog Assignment #6

The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler
Networked StudentThe video, The Networked Student, asked a very important question: "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" The networked student needs guidance to use technology to his/her advantage. They need to learn how to be respectful and polite when asking for advice from professionals. They need to be shown how to make learning a scavenger hunt, how to use the internet effectively, and they need to be shown what sites are trustable and safe. Who taught the networked student to be a networked student? The teacher.
I enjoy the different approach on learning; however, this style of learning seems too extreme for a high school classroom. This is more of a college student approach. I like the idea of using Simbaloo as a site for the students to collect websites that are relevant and helpful to their topics in school. Each student could make their own Simbaloo page and be required to find a helpful and reliable source online for each topic covered in class. The topic would be expanded on in class and the students would be required to tell what they learned through blog post on the class blog. I will require each student to follow a math blog relevant to the subject matter, be it Algebra, Geography, or Pre-Calculus. My students can use their blog to post their thoughts on the subject matter and learn from others who comment on their thoughts. I believe a student is a networked student is they know how to use technology to their advantage.
Overall, the “networked student” idea is the extreme of what I have learned from this class. I understand, as teachers, our role is to teach our students the curriculum provided while incorporating technology and to teach our students how to use software, websites, and more to their educational advantage. They need leadership to learn how to use what is available and around them effectively.
A 7th Grader’s Personal Learning Environment
This 7th grader’s PLE makes my PLN look weak and possibly useless. However, I have not been working effectively on my PLN as much as I should. This video gave me great ideas on what to use in my future classroom. As previously stated, I would like my students to use Simbaloo. Math is a subject that can be taught via technology but it is very difficult to make it a paperless/pencil-less subject. I think making students create their own PLE will help them figure out how they learn best. I will help them in all of their classes and they will most likely use it outside of school and in college.

3 comments:

  1. Hey Jessica!

    I'd have to say I disagree with you that this type of learning is too advanced for the high school student; they use networking in their everyday lives anyway, so why not put it to good use? However, I do agree with you that we, as teachers, have to guide them in using sites such as Simbaloo properly so that they can get the most out of their educational experience. Nice blog, keep it up!

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  2. "I enjoy the different approach on learning; however, this style of learning seems too extreme for a high school classroom." Not at all. Varients for grade level are being implemented at all grade levels at Gulf Shores Elementary. Soon similar approaches will be in ALL Baldwin County Schools. You should see what Anthony Capps' third graders are doing! Baldwin County is now ephasizing the use of challenge based, project-based and problem-based learning strategies at all grade levels. These efforts are similar to the networked student's approach to learning except the approaches vary according to grade. If you are not prepared or are not willing to be a networked teacher, you can cross Baldwin County off your list of potential employers. So get ready to be a Networked Teacher!

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  3. I like how you asked who taught the student to be a networked student? The teacher. That was really good. I never thought of it like that. I also read your progress report for your PLN. It sounded really cool. I'm going to need some help on mine! The 7th grader's PLE was amazing and I'm sure yours is not weak!

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