Blog Assignment #6

I think Mrs. Drexler's video on the networked student is very similar to what Dr. Strange is trying to teach us in EDM310. The idea of the networked student is built on self-motivation, self-learning, and using the social media as a tool to educate yourself on assignment given to you by a teacher. I absolutely believe in her ideas of a 21st century classroom based on her concept as well as Dr. Strange. However, it is going to see some major resistance from traditional teachers, principals, school boards, and parents! People fear what they don't know. I think the biggest problem with the American student is self-learning. Everyone wants to be shown how to do something. They don't want to LEARN how to do anything. Information has become so easily accessible; yet, many people are too busy utilizing these amazing tools for all the wrong reasons!!

Secondly, the answer to the question about the need for teachers with networked students is really interesting. This concept of teaching will need a ton of guidance and observation. I mentioned in a previous blog the idea that the new age teacher will be a person who guides students towards the path of success by teaching them skills. No longer will they force feed information that students don't retain. They will teach them how to gather information for assignments and collaborate with other students through social media to share ideas and opinions are particular subjects. Communication is the key to the success of the networked student!!

Now, how do you combat the resistance from the list of people mentioned above. The answer is simple. Provide them with a planned curriculum based around this concept and show them periodically during parent-teacher conferences and school board meetings the progress that is developing from this new style. Results are what it comes down to with Americans. They fear the wait and see method! Another way is to encourage the parents and administrators to receive emails showing the progress of the students as we do with Dr. Strange on our assignments. The tools are there people!! USE THEM!!!!

The PLE that this student put together is truly remarkable. I did not know that you can create tool bars like that. Great organization by the student of putting her non school related links on the top and her educational links in another area. This freedom that she preaches allows students to learn at their own pace and in their own style while keeping within the required curriculum that the teachers are required to have! This was assisted in being put together by Mrs. Drexler. So, she must be making some progress with her vision of the networked student.

In comparison to my PLN, I would say that the student has got me thinking about new ideas to improve my network of information. I am actually looking into creating a template similar to the student thanks to the link to the program below the video. Everybody should go check it out. =