Blog Post 6

The Networked Student: Wendy Drexler
In watching this very creative video, I found the information we have been tinkering with through EDM is purposeful. We are the Educators who must navigate our students minds through the use of technology, thus our students can exceed our learned knowledge for their own success. As this video stated there are various ways that technology is being used in this day and age and not knowing what it entails is the important thing, what is important is DO WE KNOW HOW TO USE IT? CAN WE TEACH IT TO OTHERS? IS TECHNOLOGY BENEFICIAL TO OUR LIVES AS EDUCATORS? Yes to above!
With technology we can organize our tiny little lives on a mass data base that will spread globally to the rest of educators and to future learners. We will build our techniques to better fit what the human mind is capable of and with our students as our vessels will continue the age of growth to create even better ways to beat out the old traditions of paper and pencil. By people learning how to interpret the technology whether it be through the endless opportunities of Google or by communicating a sure genius idea over their wiki page, things will change. Some people find themselves opposed to the idea that technology is the new leader, but I feel this is only because they are uninformed of the vast possibilities available.
Do the social networked students still require a instructor- Why of course they do. Children do not motivate themselves to learn usually this occurs in the right environment with the correct amount of motivation the children receive. The ambitious are few and the smart are close, but without the right person in front of them showing them that Education is not solely based off books and pencils and a stinky classroom, the more willing they are to allow education in. I feel in order to be a success with our students we have represent an imagery that can reflect to our students of why progression is so important and that progression is relying more so on technology usage.



A 7th Graders PLE:
Wow, well this is a new proposed idea for me. I have not heard of these PLNS you speak of before watching this video. They do look very elaborate so that frightens me a small bit. I though overall what this student had going on what very savvy to the technology age and I want to be there as well, because like they said in their presentation, You sometimes can get a sense of being overwhelmed on the internet because of the unlimited access you have to anything at any time!


Smart Boards are they beneficial or a money sucking disaster?
I personally feel that after reading up on the smart board that they are a useful tool for the classroom if and only you know how to use them correctly, otherwise they can become a pain in the behind! They offer many great uses and yes one said that they can do the same thing just as a screen shot etc, but a screen shot is a single action movement where as a smart board can do multiple things at once! I guess it all comes down to who you ask and what day you ask them! Given the price of these smart boards is considered outside of the budget most schools have, the only question I leave with you is aren't these smart boards all in a matter of how you navigate through one? Technology in general can be a hassle if the user is not correctly informed on how to use it....
Here is a link that I think will be interesting to those wanting to see some positive attributes of the smart board at its best
Click here
As well as a video for ease of use!