The human network is essentially a term that describes the social connections humans make with each other, using a variety of mediums. With the advent of more powerful technologies, the human network becomes more intricate and tightly woven, providing the opportunity for more connections with more people than ever before. The networked student is a student who is taking advantage of the human network, especially through technology, to improve the quality of his or her learning experience. The networked student has a variety of contacts, beyond the teacher, classmates, and textbooks. The networked student utilizes RSS feeds, synchronous communication, and practices sound information management practices. Digital literacy is vital to the networked student because digital technology is the medium through which he or she operates, necessitating a grasp on how to use the advanced tools provided by digital technology and also knowing how distinguish threats and poor information throughout the medium. The role of the teacher evolves in networked learning to a facilitator of the students needs, as opposed to a facilitator or raw information. The teacher helps the student build digital literacy by guiding them through poor information and giving them the tools to succeed in the digital realm. The model of instruction is basically a constructivist approach to teaching, which seems to be the newest school of thought in the education community. It truly seems like the best way for learning to take place, however I wish there were more actual studies to prove that the method is ideal. Provided I was working at a school where this method was viable (i.e. available technology and willing administration) I could absolutely see myself in the role, as it alleviates some of the burden of being a teacher, which is already one of the most stressful jobs to have.
The networked learning blog I found is written by a member of the Department of Information Studies in the UK and contains several posts related to her work with networked and inquiry based learning (http://cilass.group.shef.ac.uk/?cat=4). Several posts include comments about technologies in the classroom such as Second Life. This blog hasn’t been posted to recently but she does have a second blog that is linked to this one.
My question to anyone reading this is do you think this method is worth fighting for if you don’t initially have access to the technology at your school and the administration is unwilling to venture out into foreign territory?
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I think you pretty much have to if you want to keep ahead of the game. By not introducing your students to technology you are severely hindering their performance and chances in the wider world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Trish, it's almost impossible to escape technology and soon it will become a necessity, no longer a luxury. Therefore, it's crucial that every nation introduces technology to their students so they can increase their level of performance at school and in the community. At the rate technology is moving, it's going to be necessary that students become familiar with technology in order to become productive citizens.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this method of edcation is worth fighting for. I would venture to say that if school administrators had their way, most would want their students to have easy access to technology at school. The biggest obstacle is obtaining the funding to do so. However, the fight for networked education is a fight for education that prepares students for the future, and worth our time and effort.
ReplyDeleteI think that it would be extremely difficult to implement a technology heavy curriculum without access to technology at the school or support from the administration. However, if your students and community support your intentions, then you may be able to find some creative solutions to the problem. Perhaps you as the teacher can put your networking skills to the test to rally support/raise money for your cause and demonstrate the power of networked learning to your school administrators.
ReplyDeleteThe great thing about networked learning is that it is independent of the brick and mortar school. I think that access to these types of networks are fairly mainstream these days except for very low SES areas. In a few years it will be even more common for everybody. Lack of computer access at home is a quickly, if not already, become a dated problem in my opinion. As the educator, it is our responsibility to set up the network that students can access outside of school.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Trish that to oppose this way of learning or to neglect new forms of technology all together will inevitably hinder or decrease a student's chances to succeed in life. From what I've experienced, grant money for technology is available to those who apply. I think its up to us as teachers to change the ways students learn and networked learning is a great to do that.
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