Chapter 9: Social Networks
Finally, a chapter about something that I have heard of before. Of course, I have used social networking websites before such as myspace and facebook, but I had only used the websites for personal connections. Social networking websites in the classroom were never something I'd really considered before. It was interesting to hear a couple examples of teachers who have incorporated social networking websites into their classroom. I do think it is a good idea. I think these websites would be a great way to get students involved via discussions, videos, and photos (all relevant to the course material of course). Another way I think a social networking page could be beneficial would be for the class would be to make the page a place to share with other classrooms and parents about what is going on in the classroom. Students could post what they learned each day. For me, being an early childhood education major, this seems like a more practical approach to using social networking websites in the classroom. Also, like Jim Meredith stated on page 137, his students had all been exposed to facebook before so they already knew how to use it. From this chapter not only did I learn that social networking sites could be used in the classroom, but I also learned that, in many instances, there may be effective ways to use tools we are already familiar with that I may not have thought of before. However, one thing I think we need to be careful about with having students use these websites, especially facebook, is their personal use of them. Some students might try to use them for personal use during class time. This is why I think using a website like ning, as mentioned in the chapter, would be a great idea.
Chapter 10 & Epilogue: What It All Means
The chapter begins by summing up two "unstoppable" trends: one, more and more content will be online. This effects us, as educators, because it is possible that textbooks may be entirely be online before we know it. Perhaps I am sort of a traditionalist because I think this is kind of sad. For me, when I am at a computer or looking at a computer screen I am distracted so much easier than if I have a book in front of me, and only that book. I think books are great things and I am afraid of books disappearing entirely! However, I am aware that the most important aspect of books is the content, and that would still be there. Also, I am sure students would get used to reading their content on the computer. Anyways, the second trend mentioned is that more and more of the creation of content is collaborative. The Internet gives us more opportunities to collaborate than we have ever had before. The chapter also went into detail about some of the big shifts we will most likely have in our classrooms. These shifts. along with the rest of the book, got me thinking about things I may encounter in my classroom. I can honestly say before this class, and reading this book, I hadn't given much thought into technology in the classroom. This book has showed me several specific examples of ways I might integrate technology into my classroom. I believe even in the early childhood grades I will need to integrate technology into my classroom. This book gave me a better knowledge of several specific tools I may be able to use. I think one tool I might use is podcasts. Even for grades such as kindergarten, podcasts can be made for their learning. I hope to use my knowledge of technology to create an effective learning environment for my students.
No comments:
Post a Comment