After watching the Cisco video and the Youtube video, I believe I have a better understanding of a networked student. A networked student is one that can utilize all of their technological tools to obtain a better learning experience. The networked student can utilize cell phones, computers, cameras, Ipods, etc. to research, comprehend, examine, and gather information about a topic they are studying. Through these technological tools, they are able to "teach themselves" the information, and take more of a hands on approach to their learning.
It is very important that students understand how to use these technological tools to become a networked student. They must have an understanding of how to complete "good" searches on the internet, and how to find "correct" information. It is important that the student have digital literacy to be able to fully grasp the depths of the networked student. Though, as I have found, practice does make perfect, and the more that the student uses the tools, the better they will become with the technology. So, starting the student off, and letting them experience all that the technology has to offer is another approach.
Networked learning changes the role of the teacher. Instead of being this "sage on the stage" individual, the teacher is guiding the learning. The teacher begs the students to find the information on their own, and is more of a coach than the "all knowing teacher." I think that this is very important. Instead of lecturing and being this "omnipotent" being, the teacher can guide their learning, and have the students engage in teaching themselves through doing. I think that this is a great approach, for too often the students do not become engaged in their own education, and I will most certainly incorporate this style of instruction into my own classroom.
Well, after searching many different blogs of the networked student, many of which are tied to Ms. Drexler! So.. I'll post her blog, which has many great responses to it!
http://teachweb2.blogspot.com/2009/05/networked-student-challenges.html
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I liked how you emphasized that students need to understand the accurate way to research topics. With so much information available to us, it is critical that students realize that not all data is reliable. I think this is an important role for the teacher of a networked learner, to teach the students the proper way of finding information.
ReplyDeleteMotorolla actually came out with a new commercial like the Cisco one. It talks about combining all of your feeds and etc. I think its taking the whole "student network" idea to a hand-held level! (technology is crazy!) I tried to find the video on youtube, but I think its too new. Its for the DROID phone by Motorolla I'm pretty sure
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