Actually, a lot of the technology I have seen in general has lots of potential. The problem is being overwhelmed with it. Just because it's there, doesn't mean you have to use it.
An example of this for me would have to me Ning. While I think it has potential for use with study groups and other smaller organizations, I can't help but think, "Why not just use Facebook?" There are sooo many cool websites with cool stuff on them that if we joined them all, we would have a million IDs and passwords and no time to use them. Plus, the middle schoolers I work with already have Myspace accounts and I don't see them utilizing this feature as much as their other online accounts. I don't see this as being something I can immediately use at this time.
On the other hand, things like Googledocs are mana from the heavens for students. I know some of my students can never seem to keep anything for more than 24 hours without losing it. That even includes reports, essays and projects. They end up restarting multiple times. Going to this sort of document storage and word processing would definitely be a benefit to those kids. Also, the ability to work on their work from home if they have a computer, or access to one, is also huge. Unfortunately, the reality of my district is we are over a 50% poverty rate and not all students have access to technology from home.
So I definitely think as we go through this class, and more importantly, how we integrate that we need to keep in mind that all of these things we are learning about are cool tools, but that's all they are... tools. You don't need every tool for every job. Some tools may sit in the bottom of your toolbox and never be used.
In response to your question, "Why not use Facebook?"...Here is an article that I just read that discusses teachers & that fine line they have to walk when dealing with Facebook & other social technologies. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/education/os-teachers-texting-students-20100301,0,2721662.story I think a Ning would be a great, safe educational social network that you could set up for a particular class/course to use to collaborate, have discussions on the forum section, etc. I don't think it would replace the social networking that the students would do with their friends but instead be a model of how to use social networking sites for other things other than just posting silly pictures or updating your status.
ReplyDeleteYou are right...all of these things we are learning are tools and we just need to figure out when it is appropriate to use them.
Hi Shawn,
ReplyDeleteI'm in your group for the paper. Unfortunately I will be in Florida at Disney til Tuesday. My plane comes in at 6 and I will be at my computer around 8. I'm sooo sorry I cant meet until then. I feel bad to let my team down a little. Would you be available to do the paper then? I already filled out the spread sheet. Let me know..... I leave at 5am tomorrow. If you could email me @ ch2herb@hotmail.com that would be great. I can check that email from my phone.
Thanks Christy
I don't know about your school, Shawn, but our school blocks programs such as facebook and myspace. A ning might be a safer, more administration-friendly alternative.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of using Googledocs to submit assignments! I think I'll suggest that to our English teachers - it might make life easier for our students and our teachers!
Google docs aren't blocked at our school. They do block Youtube and Myspace and FB for students (but I have access to my FB account I found out).
ReplyDeleteYou should show your students iGoogle. It's like their very own customizable homepage where they can add quick links and app windows for gmail, google docs, FB, youtube and more. The blocked app boxes won't work, but they can access those when they're not at school.
iGoogle would make a nice tailor made entry way for the students. This looks like a great group we all will be working with - welcome aboard!
ReplyDelete