The first part of this chapter describes how connected students really are. Question that need to be addressed by educators, and really administrators and law makers, revolve around what does learning, literacy, and knowledge look like in the 21st century. The answers are concrete, but teachers need to provide ill defined problems and questions that are cookie cutter. Things are more complex now, and learning should reflect this. Also, time, technology, learning, or anything really, is not static. These things are ever changing, but it seems that schools and curriculum aren’t. This chapter also discusses what new media is. New media is technologies for the late 20th century. They mostly include mobile technologies.
This chapter speaks to me. I am familiar with many of these new technologies, and I am slightly obsessed with them. Not all of them--I think I’m starting to get old--but I feel fairly comfortable with a lot of mobile technology. I encourage use of these technologies in my class and in my work. I want to be as fluent with these technologies as possible because I feel that they are useful in many ways. Aside from productivity, they are entertaining and informative. I literally get my news from Facebook. I know what is going on in different parts of the world because all of my friends comment on them on Facebook. This is what is happening with our students as well. I don’t read news ‘papers.’ I read everything online. The fact that the book for this class was only available in paper through me for a loop. I’m by no means a total techie, but it is something I strive to be, just like many of today’s students.
I found the chapter interesting as well. I know many would consider me pretty high on the tech scale, but I still have not joined all the new media. I think a lot of people are adjusting to the new style with e-texts and facebook newsfeeds. Were you thrown for a loop on the physical text just from having digital options recently or are you disappointed there was not a digital copy? how did you feel about the suggestions of using new media to promote peer activities? What did you think about the claim that "geeking out" was becoming socially acceptable/preferred? In any case, I am glad you are open to incorporating new media in education.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the times they are a changin' and you have to get on board or you will be kicked off. The only problem I have with technology in the classroom is that I am SOL if it malfunctions or breaks. Maybe I lean on it too much, but the few times everything has crashed have been some of the most frustrating days. Students have to learn the basics, actually reading from a book and physically using letters to spell words, before they go nuts and use technology to be connected. I think it's a balance. Do you agree?
ReplyDeleteI have the same feeling as you have. I think we are kind of in the middle of don't know how to use new technology and know how to use technology. But we chose to be the expert of technology in today's world, so that we are able to communication with our friends or students. Like you said, I read everything from the internet, books are the only thing that I will read in paper.
ReplyDeleteOrpheus, I was upset because I like the convenience of being able to instantly download the text and also not having to carry around a book. I think it would be great to have students using new media to collaborate on things. Students should no doubt be able to do some things the old fashioned way, like read actual books, practice writing things by hand, and participating in live discussions. I think a balance is needed between using technology and doing things the traditional way. I think "geeking out" is more acceptable. People realize how powerful technology is and how it isn't going away. People with good technical skills are becoming more in demand and I think that makes them "cooler."
ReplyDeleteSarah, I totally agree that if the technology doesn't work there is an issue. Flexibility was the first thing I learned when I got into the classroom, and I will never master it. There bust be a balance, but many aspects of life now are technology dependent, at least for me. I think we need to show students how to troubleshoot and be flexible, and use technology to our advantage when it is available. It is a fine line, and it is different for every teacher.
Tommy, isn't technology awesome? I'm so dependent on it, but I love it!