This chapter was a really in depth look at how you can incorporate technology in your classroom to become a networked classroom. I thought it was really inspiring and made me think about how I can make my classroom more transparent. I especially thought it was great how the authors mentioned multiple times how it does not matter how many tools of technology you have, you can still be connected with the world in a variety of different ways.
I think there are a lot of positives to having a networked classroom. Many people may think that too much technology in a child's classroom, would be bad, but I think that they are doing more good than bad. By allowing children to explore and connect with other students around the world, they will be able to have more experience using safety skills online and seeing the world as it should be. They need to play a part in this world and by connecting with students around the world, they will be able to learn so much about other countries, cultures, and students. The authors also mentioned that the benefits of a classroom are they are transparent, collaborative, learning centered, accessible, communication based, problem.inquiry based-learning, and authentic assessment.
Although there are many benefits to having a networked classroom, I think that they are some disadvantages, too. One of them that comes to mind is the digital divide. I am pretty fortunate that most of my students that I teach do have access to internet and some devices, but I do have some students that do not have any access. This can make it difficult to do things at home, but at least my school has access to a class set of Chromebooks that I can use within my classroom.
What I have done to slowly make my way to a networked classroom is to take one type of tool and work with that and show the students how to use it. I have used Padlet and TodaysMeet to do quick formative assessments in reading and math. This has worked well within my class. We use Google Docs to connect with each other on assignments and such. I have also introduced Mystery Skype and having a buddy class which we Skype and write letters even now and then. This has been fun for them to get to know different students around the country. When I started learning how to Mystery Skype I looked over Pernille Ripp's various blogs about the topic. I have linked one here.
I believe that networked classrooms have great benefits to our students for the long term in growing their love for learning about others and becoming a lifelong learner.
Kirsten -
ReplyDeleteYou mention of the digital divide is very true. I know that many of my students do not have access to devices at home and unfortunately I only have 8 Chromebooks to use in my classroom (we can check more out but have to share with the rest of our teachers). It this could be a challenge for some to have a networked classroom, but I think as schools more towards that direction, hopefully schools can allocate more funds to technology.
It sounds like you have made excellent progress on starting your networked classroom. I love the idea of mystery skype. Our gifted teacher has done with with various classes the students get so much out of it! I completely agree with you that networked classrooms are a true benefit for all of our students.
Great Blog!
I think a lot of times when it comes to incorporating technology into the classroom, teachers feel they have to make the transition overnight. With this mindset, teachers become overwhelmed and stay with the traditional way. Unfortunately, this does not develop students' critical think and problem solving skills needed for the 21st century. I like how you have taken a slow approach when creating a Networked Classroom. The book also mentions starting slow which should start within the classroom and eventually will expand to the online world.
ReplyDeleteKirsten,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, I think there is no such thing as too much technology. The best thing we can do is expose students to the skills they are going to need when they get into the workforce. The earlier we can start them on these skills, the better. Our students already know so much about technology and the online world, we just have to teach them how to use it appropriately and how much they can learn from it. One skill that I feel is falling a bit is typing. I think that there definitely needs to be an emphasis on this so that students can work efficiently when they are using the computer.
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you about the digital divide when it comes to students having access to the internet at home. More students than I thought in my classes do not have internet access at home which could be a big problem. Another digital divide is some students are way more advanced in technology than other students, this too could be a small crutch when starting a networked classroom. But with a little patience, pretty much all of these negatives can be worked out in the long run. I think the positives out way the negatives when it comes to incorporating technology into our classrooms.
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteRE: "What I have done to slowly make my way to a networked classroom is to take one type of tool and work with that and show the students how to use it."
That is a good approach. If you add a new tool just once a month, think of the impact that could make. However, instead of introducing new tools, it is sometimes beneficial to explore new uses for the tools you are currently using. That can be a very powerful experience as well. Using fewer tools in multiple ways can also make management simpler.
Dr. Dell