The Networked Student was a very interesting podcast. This new technology is an interesting and fascinating way to become an independent learner. Connectivism is a theory for the digital age, that helps students connect with a number of resources to help them become better students. It also enables students to connect with many different professors, to get insight on different subjects and ideas.
Some students will have a harder time then others when it comes to being an independent learner, because you have to be motivated and determined. Some students will always need that classroom environment to learn, they just can't seem to grasp the idea of not having someone to help them keep up with their work. As a student, I have learned that different approaches and personal skills are needed to learn effectively. I have learned that you have to use your time wisely and stay organized.
The idea of the networked student can be useful to some students, but I feel that we will always need a classroom setting. Students will need help from their teacher. They will need instructions on how to build their network and how to organize their learning. Teachers will need to tell students what to do when they are stuck, or be there just to give them that extra push to stay focused and keep up with the assignments. Teachers will also need to set example for their students and let them know that knowing where to find information is more important than knowing the information. So even though the networked students can do a lot on their own, I feel that we will always need some instructions from a teacher.
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment I find that a PLE is a very important tool for organization in the online learning environment. This seventh grader was very organized and seemed to be eager to learn new and interesting things. She showed ways to keep track of her work and save it where it could be easily assessed. I think that she would be one of those students who would be responsible to work alone with little supervision.
The Machine is Changing Us This was a very interesting lecture. He talked about a lot of facts that made me think of how much technology and media play an important role in our lives. Media does change our conversations and the way we relate to others. Media also helps us cope with things that go on in our everyday lives.
Lawanna,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts about the PLN. PLNs are a great way to connect with others, and it provides new ways to learn and grow. Many students, however, do not have the responsibility to do this alone. There are students who do not even want to be in school; therefore, it will be difficult to make them learn on their own. Some students do not know how to research and keep their findings organized. PLNs can be useful, but I believe it is important for the teacher to be involved.
There are teachers in a classroom for a reason. Teachers guide the students and help them when things are difficult to understand. The teacher has to teach the students how to build a PLN. Teachers encourage and build relationships. They are the ones that keep the students on track and make the classroom fun, constantly encouraging the students to continue with their intellectual journey.
LaWanna, Great work and I agree, we will always need teachers in a classroom. Eventhough we have all this new technology, someone's got to teach our children how to use it. There will always be students who need that teacher/student learning system. The PLN seems to be very useful in keeping organization and sites right there at your fingertips. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI also think that some students need that side-by-side instructions from the teacher. I am one of those students who needs to be in a classroom with a teacher in order for me to learn effectively, to keep me on track. Some people are not use to a routine of being on a computer. I think if that is something new to you, then it will take time for you to adjust something new.
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