On the left side of my graphic organizer, Content, there are qualities needed in any F2F class, but they are also important in a distance learning section. Adding technological tools that learners are using in their non-school learning makes sense (Soloway, 2009). They already own cell phones, iPods, and MP3Players, and in some schools, these devices are seen as a danger (Macleod, 2009). Cell phones can be used for calendars, homework reminders, and connecting to teachers and classmates regarding class work, in addition to connecting to the Internet and adding pictures to writing assignments (Prensky, 2005). Email, blogs, and wikis can and should be used for information and discussions; they can also be used for collaboration and assignment submission. Many of these same features are part of iPods and MP3 Player capabilities. It behooves teachers to create assignments at suggest to students that they could choose these tools—if the teacher and the school allow them, the students will find ways to use them.
Soloway, C. N. (2009, January 14). Get Cell Phones into Schools. BusinessWeek: Technology. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jan2009/ tc20090114_741903.htm
Macleod, F. (2009, October 31). 'Treat mobiles in schools like offensive weapons' - Scotsman.com News. from http://news.scotsman.com/education/39Treat-mobiles-in-schools-.5783435.jp
Prensky, M. (2005). What can you learn from a cell phone? Almost anything! Innovate Journal of Online Education 1(5). Retrieved from http://www.innovateonline.info/
The personalization you bring to student learning by allowing them to choose, even to the detail of emoticons, provides an opportunity of pride and ownership to the learner. I'm sure many would jump at the chance to share how different tools can be used effectively for education. Let them in on the discussions and decisions.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
~Laurie
Hi Cyndy, I liked the quote that you made from Soloway, 2009. Which was: "Adding technological tools that learners are using in their non-school learning makes sense. It really makes sense that we use these to teach because motivating students is not an easy job when they have much more entertaining things than me at home. Good post. Deb :) PS Thanks for speaking to my class via Skype!!!
ReplyDeleteCynthia,
ReplyDelete"...the students will find ways to use them." I wish everyone understood how true this is. When empowered to show what they know, learners take advantage of prior knowledge and skills they possess. At some point districts will understand that the battle against handheld devices is impossible to win. Who ever tried to ban notebooks because students could spend the whole day drawing in their pages instead of learning?
I noticed you had some items repeated in your organizer. I was thinking of doing that, and now that I've seen yours I think I should have because it looks good. You also had some elements that I hadn't thought of like chat rooms. The one thing that keeps nagging at me as I prepared my own reflection and read others, that is what are we going to be able to do to keep students on task and keep them from going places they shouldn't be at school? I don't know if you have an answer, but I know simply saying they won't be able to participate is good enough. Just watching a class of 30-40 students (yes our classes are that big) is a challenge in it self.
ReplyDeleteStephen,
ReplyDeleteIf the students are really engaged, they will do what they are expected to do, maybe. If they are engaged in making the assignments, they are even more likely to stay on task. But if you are afraid to let go of the reins, they will know and more than likely misuse the time and resources. But that is not different in classrooms without digital resources.