http://dewittwiki.wikispaces.com/EDUC+7102
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Online instruction provides opportunities for students to build interactive relationships among themselves and with the instructor to help bridge the physical and psychological gaps that occur in online learning courses (Durrington, Berryhill & Swafford, 2006). Students bring with them a plethora of technological knowledge and tools that can be utilized and integrated in to the classroom. These tools can further enhance the learning and collaboration of students and instructors alike. The insructor is no longer considered, as stated by Siemens, the sage on the stage, but is rather a guide on the side (Siemens,2007). As technology becomes more widely spread and cost effecient, more people in the mainstream embrace it, and the classroom is no exeption. Tools such as interactive boards and LCD projectors permit students to collaborate and share knowledge. Discussions via email, chat rooms, wikis and blogs permit collaboration from virtually anywhere, making he classroom walls obsolete. With the click of a mouse, students and instructors can gain access to the world wide web, overflowing with information. Tools like ipods and cell phones keep students informed and engaged, anywhere. As technology continues to advance, the role of the classroom educator will continue to evolve and the role the students play in their own learning will continue to grow.
The following are additonal blogs related to engaging the learner:
http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/engage-your-learners-by-mimicking-the-real-world/
http://blog.nelsoncroom.com/nelson_crooms_blog/engaging_learners/
http://conversants.ning.com/page/one-course-one-community
Jane
References:
Durrington, V.A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190-193. Retrieved 10/20/2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=105&sid=4a0ea457-7370-4952-aa96-111e0902c0b8%40sessionmgr104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&AN=19754742.
Siemens, G. (2007). Curatorial teaching. Retrieved 10/20/2009 from http://www.archive.org/details/10MinuteLectures-GeorgeSiemens-CuratorialTeaching.
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I truly agree with you, Jane. In my own classroom, I am more of a facilitator than a teacher, so I know first and foremost how students have to take their own learning into their own hands. Its a way to discipline themselves, as it is in an online community. The instructor still makes his or her presence known to keep students on task. Online instructors are our guides.
ReplyDeleteHi Jane,
ReplyDeleteWhat you've stated here is so true. There is so much technology being made available enhance instruction that allows teachers and students alike to facilitate the learning process and build a positive and productive collaborative setting.
Carol
ReplyDeleteWhat I find most frustrating is when students do not want to put forth the work necessary to learn a new skill and simply want the teacher to do it for them. I teach an Algebra 1 course this year and so many students do not want to work out problems and do the necessary work. It is easier to wait for the teacher to solve it. Unfortunately, I can out wait them. jane
Your last statement is so true, “As technology continues to advance, the role of the classroom educator will continue to evolve and the role students’ play in their own learning will continue to grow” (Dewitt, 2009). Many times students enter school with advanced knowledge of these new technological tools and understand ways to integrate them into their daily lives and learning. As technologies are becoming less expensive and widely spread, many are utilizing these new technologies in the workplace and in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is becoming more mainstream and less expensive. Thus, our schools are adopting more and more innovations. My school recently adopted the Mobi, and it has changed our classroom lives making communicating easier. I am interested to see over the next few years how technology advances, as well as the knowledge of our students in technolgoy changes.
ReplyDeleteJane,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you! Being a teacher really means facilitating the classroom. Students are more responsible for their own learning as they should be. This is was breeds a life long learner.
Sherry
Jane, students do bring with them a "plethora" of knowledge. I have actually learned some computer "tricks" from students, and have also employed the help of students to assist with peers when I needed an extra pair of eyes.
ReplyDelete