In this video it introduces a new way of learning for students which is called connectivism. Connectivism is the thought that learning occurs through their own personal learning network. It also teaches the students how to learn on their own and share his or her ideas and opinions with other students and teachers. By using the method of connectivism in the classroom, it allows the teacher to enhance the childrens learning on technology and their own networks, but not bore the students. You would think that the theory of connectivism is the same as an online class, and it is but many students still do not know how to use technology like they show in this video with different files and applications used.
As they say in the video, "Why do the networked students need a teacher?" We need teachers because they are who will guide and help the future individuals. Someone that knows about technology is one that needs to be head of the process of using technology in the classroom. The teacher will be there to teach but also assist the students in getting them started on their own networks. For myself being a networked teacher, am I ready? Not anywhere near being ready. My technology skills are slowly increasing, only from this class, but if it were not for this class, technology would not be used in the classroom. Reason being, I do not think I would take the time to actually explore my options.
The Seventh Graders PLE(personal learning environment)
The seventh grader in this video boggles my mind with her organization skills. I would consider myself organized, but she has folders and even symbols down to a certain point. She has her school work on the bottom and social along the top. By watching this video, it seems that she does most of her school work on her computer and that having Symbaloo it helps her to stay organized in things such as bookmarking and sharing with her class the information that she has found for her projects. By watching this video. it has only made me more anxious to get my own PLN and also have it organized with Symbaloo.
Critiques of Smartboards
Why Smart Boards Are a Dumb Initiation?!
Michael Stanton does make a point on why the smart board is not an effective way to teach your students but also a way to improve the way that the students learn. Stanton states, which is true, that the cost of a Smart Board is outrageous, but yet the teacher is still standing in front of the class lecturing, and every so often the students are coming up to the board to help. Stanton thinks that the Smart Board is a waste of money because the teacher with or with out the board is going to stand in front of the classroom. With the Smart Board there can be more interaction with the students, but it is the same as the overhead projector with a few added extras. The Smart Board can move items and have annimations that can move, one of the basic things that an overhead projector can not do. He also says that money can be spent on other useful things in the classroom such as remediation for students. Michael Stanton stands behind his beliefs that there are other ways that we as teachers can improve our childrens learning and education by not spending the amount of money that is spent on a Smart Board.
Switching off the Interactive White Board for Good
While reading this presentation, Kevin McLaughlin makes it a point that IWB's have had their day and no longer need to be used in classrooms. He, just like Michael Stanton, believe you can spend the amount that it cost for an IWB on something else that can be used more efficiently in the classroom. Kevin is curious to know whether it was just him, or if other teachers actually use them or if the money that was spent on them is sitting on the wall not getting any use out of them. With the way technology is changing, something new will be invented to replace Smart Boards.
The blog that I have found is "SMART board- Pros and Cons of Using a Digital, Interactive Whiteboard in the Classroom." On this blog the cons are over powering the pros. But who would have ever guessed?!
white board versus smart board
Kelsey, you did a good job on your post. I like the comments for classmates assignment cause we are leering different things to accomplish the same goal. As I read your blog, I was given another perspective on the same ideas and your explanations helped clear up some of my grey areas with the Networked Student. I know we don't hear it often but I am proud of you and all of the other classmates that have made it this far through the course.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.
"I can not say that I am completely ready to take that leap because my information that I know on the topic is not very nig, but in the process of learning it, anyone could do it." Reread this. I am not sure I understand what you meant to say.
ReplyDeleteThe role of teaching is changing. A teacher no longer conveys information. Instead she helps a student formulate questions, find information, vet those data, etc.
The PLN is not important because of the organization it brings to one's life. Rather it important because it links together all sorts of resources to support you in your endeavors. It is nice to have it organized. But the network is what is important!
"He states, which he is true, ..." ????? rewrite the entire sentence!
You need to work on your writing and you need buttons, not just URLs. See the instructions on p. 11 of the Instructional Activities Manual. I just created a button linking you to the manual. You have to be able to do the same. The instructions we use are the same as those used by Mrs. Yollis with her third graders!
Hey Kelsey,
ReplyDeleteJust as Dr. Strange says, I'm not sure what you are meaning in the first paragraph.
Smartboards are something that we all have to understand before we make a judgement. I really think they are helpful in younger grades but not in high school. I know that they are helpful in many many ways, but does it fit you as a teacher?
Stephen Akins