WOW! I agree with someone who posted the other night-EBrunsell commented that something was burning, and one of our classmates said "That's my brain frying!" Mine too!
So much to learn - I also appreciate the comments of a previous student who reflected on balance. There is no way that my old brain (or my brain when it was younger!) can take in all that the web has to offer. Since that is true, I found a particular comment in the reading very interesting. In the assignment "Web 2.0 is the Future of Education," when asked about how to combat content overload, the author's answer was "to produce more content." Hopefully my understanding of this comment will increase as time goes by!
I am also intrigued by the fact that the "read/write web" is very participative. In my experience teaching, more participation by the students frequently leads to higher levels of critical thinking, as evidenced in the questions that ae asked. Also by experience I see that if students are interactive they are much more likely to retain concepts and content than by listening to a lecture or taking notes. If the web can encourage more student interaction, then sign me up! I want to learn all I can about how to make this technology work in the classroom. Physical study groups accomplish this same purpose, and have traditionally met in the halls of schools, at lunch, and at friend's homes the night before the test. If electronic study groups can achieve this goal, then the "study group" can meet at any time just by posting a comment. Hopefully the ability to ask and answer questions at any time would allow for more continuous learning, not just at crunch time.
As with all changes, the input of time from the instructor will be significant, but I think it will be worth the effort.
Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteHa! It was and is my brain! But, the last day or so I have started to catch on a bit and I'm feeling more relaxed. Even though I've started to compile all this on Google Reader (I blogged a little about it today) it's still so much info coming all the time. I think all the time spent up front will be worth it in the end. I would never have done all this so quickly on my own!
I too hope to be able to encourage my students to do online study groups, it's harder for community college students to physically meet together. Suggestions for us anyone?
Kelly
I would also like to use online study groups. However, what about that percentage of students who do not have access to a computer at home? That is always a question I think about before I write my lessons that incorporate technology...and is always brought up with anything the students need to do online (checking grades and school's webpage for example).
ReplyDeleteI also love the idea of collaboration via the web. I have my students do this often by using googledocs. I think there is great value in being able to collaborate (as we are!) with out the limitations of a schedule and finding time to meet. I am blessed to teach in a community where the majority of my students do have access to computers or if they don't they can find access at school or at the local library. The one thing that worries me about the online communication is the lack of personal connection that can be there - we need to emphasize to our students proper etiquette when communicating online and how to take advantage of the in-person collaboration that can take place.
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