Blog Post #6

Wendy Drexler: The Networked Student

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This video explained a great deal about connectivity (connecting "online" with the classroom). We have so much technology in this world now, it begs the question "Why do we still need teachers?" Well, the answer is a simple one. How would a student learn how to use a computer, i-Phone, i-Pad, or any other device, if someone never showed them how to use it? Yes, there is a lot of information available for us to use from the internet, but we wouldn't know how to get to that information or use it, if no one showed us the basic steps to get there.

A teacher still needs to teach a student how to construct and use a learning network. A teacher is there to help the students when they don't understand how to do something and help them with the steps to do it correctly. A teacher still needs to help the students organize their information and put it together intelligently and in a way that reflects positively for them. I believe that the use of this technology is a good thing, but I do not think that it should totally replace "pen and paper work". I still think there needs to be physical paper work, so that students do not lose the ability to think for themselves. I believe there is a great middle ground where meshing technology with "the old ways of school" can come together peacefully, where it is of great benefit to students!





A 7th Grader's PLE (Personal Learning Environment) {or PLN - Personal Learning Network}

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It was amazing to listen to this 7th grader explain in such great detail how to use her learning environment. She was very organized with her arrangement of school icons and personal icons. It was a great idea for her to separate them so she knows where the educational information was and where her personal interests were located. In doing this, she showcased the ease of use by being organized. She did a great job with exploring and using her information to help her with school and with the gathering of information.

My PLN differs from her PLN because mine has a lot more resources for teachers and educators.  I also have a great deal of children's resources and not so much in the game category or general interests.