The Networked Student concept map started off explaining there is a high school student who is studying Psychology. It said that the teacher never lectures the class and there is no text book. The students teacher didn't lecture or assign a text book because she believed in Connectivism which is the belief that learning connects within a social network of different diversities. Conectivism connected teachers and students around the world but in order to get connected you had to create a personal learning network. The high school student would look things up on Google and share the information with others and read others information as well. In the video one thing that struck my interest was when it was mentioned on iTunesU that the student was able to hear professors lectures from various schools around the world.
I think that teachers are needed for this type of learning because without the teachers guidance, students would be clueless on how to educate their selves through Connectivism. In the video it said that teachers are needed specifically because they can show guidance when students get stuck, explain how to communicate properly, and ask respectfully for help from others.
After watching The Networked Student I think that teachers are still needed in the classroom. I believe that regardless if the classroom environment is being educated through Connectivism or just old fashioned lecturing, the teacher is a primary source for students to rely on. I do think learning from computers and technology is a great and creative way for students to learn but just because they are learning from a computer doesn't mean that the teacher can't still teach her students. I think that Connectivism is a great way to educate students but just because computers are being used doesn't mean that teachers are suddenly irrelevant.
7th Grade Personal Learning Environment
The 7th grade students PLN seems to be similar to mine in EDM310. I think it's great for students to get use to how to use technology because it seems like technology is advancing every day. Learning has gotten to be more of a routine and I think that is where students lose interest. I believe that by using technology to help educate students today we are showing them that learning can be creative and engaging.
You should have images on your blogs.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that connectivism requires teachers - but teachers who do very different things than teachers in the past. Baldwin County is now ephasizing the use of challenge based, project-based and problem-based learning strategies at all grade levels. These efforts are similar to the networked student's approach to learning except the approaches vary according to grade. So get ready to be a Networked Teacher!
ReplyDeleteHi Gabby,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Connectivism and computers are great ways to educate students. These are methods that teach students to learn independently, but I also agree that teachers still serve a purpose to guide their students in the right direction. Great post.
Laura Carpenter