Wendy Drexler's "The Networked Student" was truly an eye opener. I think that the video was very informative to say the least. I have never thought about how technology will take the place, in some aspects, of a teacher. I have had plenty of online classes since beginning college but none to the extent that I could call myself "a network student".
I think it is phenomenal that students are able to teach themselves in this format. I know I will feel extremely accomplished after passing this course! Honestly, I think more classes should begin converting to this method of teacher. Not only will it teach the student how to stay on top of their school work, it will also teach them responsibility, time managament, and possible boost their confidence knowing they did the majority of the course by themselves.
However the question is still there, why do the networked students need a teacher? Honestly I can say if I was told, "Here are your instructions for the course, see you in five months." I would be a nervous wreck! Even if I know what I'm doing, it is always good to know if I need help there is, depending on the time, someone to help me to understand the instructions further if needed. I don't think we can expect a student to understand how to navigate their way through the internet and give us the information we want if we do not teach them. I think there will always be a need for the teacher, even if it is not in the traditional sense. If I thought, at some point, there would be no need for teachers I wouldn't be in the education field.
I am interested in seeing how many classes evolve into this style teaching. I am open to learning more about the teaching styles while having networked students. I would also be interested in seeing if I could incorporate having networked students in some of my classes for certain lessons.
A 7th Grade Personal Learning Environment or PLN
This 7th grader is one heck of a student!! Her PLE was organized wonderfully and she could nagivate her way through it with ease. I think this idea could keep so many children in our school systems eager to learn. In this video, the girl explains the freedom she feels like she gets, and honestly I think some of the students I've encountered would like a little bit of freedom. My PLN and this girl's are fairly similar, especially now that I am in EDM310. I am using so many different websites and have so many different accounts that I don't think it would be a terrible idea if I got used the same website, symbaloo, and create my own. That will be on my to-do list!
Barclay,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I didn't spot any grammatical errors, you did a great job relating your personal experience and goals to the post, and you included your links and ALT/Title Modifiers! Keep up the good work :)
Carly