The Networked Student
Well, of course something like this has it's pros and cons. I will start with the cons...
First of all, anyone who is in school working very hard to get their degree in teaching, would be smart to not want a program like this implemented. There goes many, many AMERICAN jobs. That problem doesn't even scratch the surface of why I do not like this idea.
Secondly, students NEED their teachers. I believe teachers play a vital role in student's development not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. Students that aren't taught things at home, rely on their school to teach them. Students that don't get the love and support they need from home, rely on their teachers and classmates. Bottom line-we need face time. If you honestly believe that using only technology and having teachers you can reach "online" is beneficial, then I think you are losing far more than you are gaining. Think back to your childhood. Some of my best memories are from middle school and high school. In fact, I am still very close to two of my teachers. They were very influential and supportive of me and I look at them like extended family. I can't imagine "school" consisting of sitting at a computer all day and doing research alone.. really???? This is what our "bright" future entails? You are taking away social interaction, relationships, field trips, sports, clubs, teams...etc. Don't even try to say you get social interaction and relationships online because that is simply ridiculous.
On a side note of that, I wanted to mention when he said they had access to the "greatest teachers in the world". First of all, listening to them online MIGHT be cool sometimes. But, do they know your name? Do they care about YOU? Are they an influential figure in your life? Secondly, I would argue that just because you teach at Yale or Harvard doesn't make you a better teacher than someone that teaches at a state college. A lot of those jobs have to do with politics and the teachers are very disconnected from their community.
Also, I find it very hard to read lengthly information on a computer screen. From talking to my classmates, I know I am definitely one of many that has a problem with it. It's hard. My eyes have a problem concentrating and I lose my place a lot. I always end up having to print it out and read it on paper.
Another problem I'd like to mention.. I think there would be a lot of problems with students "copying and pasting" and not really reading all of the material. Then what you will end up with is a HUGE database of information that no one is going to take the time to read. I think a better option would be to have condensed, simplified versions, or outlines posted with access to the original document when needed.
Here is my final con. Let's face it folks, the "real world" isn't sitting behind a computer screen. It might be for a small percentage of us, but not most. Isn't the purpose of school to prepare for the "real world", the workforce? If you are cutting out significant amounts of social interaction (face-to-face), then I argue you are making people more socially akward when they do finally go outside for once.
A couple of ways this could benefit the student is the accumulation of research over time. It's true, if someone does a lot of hard work and research, then another person adds a little more.. and another person finds something and adds it.. Pretty soon you are going to end up with a very comphrensive database of knowledge. This is a good thing. Also, I believe you can be exposed to a lot of different information, which is also good. But like I said at the beginning, I believe you are losing far more than you are gaining.
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment
I think that PLN's are very good TOOLS. I do not think that school should be strictly on a computer. We need a lot more elements and methods than just one. I thought her PLN was really neat. PLN's are something I would not have a problem implementing in my own classroom. Like anything else though, it has it's draw backs. There is a lot of room for the "wandering eye". It would be way too easy for a student to be checking facebook, watching tv.. etc.. and then bring up your schoolwork when your teacher walks by. The teacher would have to be very aware and alert of the situation.
The Machine is Changing Us
Well, the video is right. I do have a short attention span and 30 minutes is a long time. I would say I have a lot of the characteristics of the "MTV Generation". I would argue that it is not narcissism. I also would agree it's more trying to find yourself and your self-worth.
The "Charlie bit my finger" video was really funny!
I think that is is healthy to talk about your feelings. If doing it online is the only way people will do it- then so be it. It's good and healthy so why not? Just keep in mind that anyone who wants to watch it can...
This video made me realize that I have to keep in mind the characteristics of the "MTV Generation" or whatever generation I am teaching so that I can better meet their needs.
The video in no way suggests that we eliminate teachers in favor of individual online learning. The role of the teacher changes in this scenario, but he/she continues to be critical in guiding the student. Nor does it suggest that this is the only way to learn. Research supports that the most valuable learning environment is a blend between online and face-to-face learning. As with any course, the value is in the design, not the medium. Certainly a degree from Harvard doesn't necessarily mean "greatest teacher in the world", but why limit a course to one teacher when it is impossible for a single person to be an expert in all things. You speak of the wandering eye, but what of the wandering mind? How many teachers have you stared down appearing to be paying attention while your mind was a million miles away? When we engage students in active learning, whether online or in a classroom, the distractions are far less and we empower a student who is much more capable of extending learning beyond our classroom.
ReplyDeleteJenny,
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely a risk taker and have stepped out of the box to gain a great perspective!! I agree that technology can take a negative toll on some and cause them to be somewhat socially challenged or awkward. You are right relationships are not built around technology and if they are, there is still a false sense of self and reduces the authenticity of a person.
It shouldn't be the core of our relationships although it has given us a broader way of communication, when we can't always be "face to face." Technology should not replace a teacher, but I believe that The Networked Student Video we watched displayed a teacher who provided the student with many great foundations for learning, without replacing the importance of a teacher. If anything being the kind of teacher the video portrayed, a teacher will actually have more influence in a student's life than the average educator.
Great Job, I enjoyed reading your posts!!
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ReplyDeleteYou have made an interesting argument in response to Wendy Drexler. The central thrust of your argument is that it is desirable for society to prepare people to interact with others in person. But schools are not the only organization that does that. And there is nothing in Dr. Drexler's video that makes the argument that social interaction is not included. Just because the student is being taught to be an independent learner. And I would argue that the successful workers of the future will be effective independent learners. So the student in Dr. Drexler's video is being prepared better than those who become specialists in "social interaction, relationships, field trips, sports, clubs, teams...etc. "
How in the world are you going to make it through an hour long video, the assignment for this week?"