The Network Student introduces connectivism, which is a theory that means learning should be a social network through the diversity of technology. Connectivisim has introduced a new level of teaching and EDM 310 is getting us ready for network students, by allowing us to use the diversity of technology, just as the network student is using. The student in the video goes to school three days a week and has online classes two days a week. The network student does not use paper and pencil because everything is done online through blogs and other sites. The student has a teacher, who serves as a coach, but the student is doing all the research by his self. The network student is also able to Skype anyone he needs to communicate with and has various apps where he can download podcast, his research, and a virtual textbook.
Upon watching the video, I was intrigued with how the Personal Learning Environment was used to bookmark all sites the student was using for class. The PLE allows the student to network and communicate with others when he or she needs help. The PLE was also beneficial for the network student by allowing him to share the sites with others. Technology has come so far, and I amazed how technology has allowed us to organize and share information with others. PLE would be a great tool to use in my classroom because the students and I will be able to share valuable information without being in the same class. The PLE was a great tool to use with the network student, especially the two days a week he was home, working on assignments without a teacher on site.
Why does the network student or any student that is given virtual assignments need a teacher? Well, this question will arise a million times, but I understand why a student still needs a teacher even if all assignments are done online. Primarily, the student is learning and even though there may not be a teacher on site, the teacher serves as a coach. The teacher purpose to serve as a guide, if the student gets lost and needs help, the teacher can guide the student in the right direction. The teacher is also there to allow students to work at his or her own pace and to give the student some responsibility, so they can learn a sense of time management. If for one-second educators think their job is made easy because students are doing everything online, they are mistaken, because their job has just been elevated. The teacher should strive to make sure that each child is learning how to use the technology and is not merely memorizing the steps, so that they can use what they have learned at a later time. So to all the 21st century educators we have a task ahead of us to become technology literate, so that we can prepare our students for this technology world.
Hi Brittney,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you, we 21st century teachers do have a task at hand. We need to make sure we are technology literate for our students’ sake! I saw only a couple of grammar/spelling mistakes in your writing. I understood what you were trying to say, however, you forgot to add a word or two to the sentence. I do this a lot too! My mind goes at one speed, and my fingers at another. For example, you said “…and I amazed how technology has allowed us to organize…” I know you meant to say “and I am amazed..” Just try to remember to proofread before you publish and you should eliminate those small issues. You’re doing well! Keep up the good work!
Victoria