Socially Networked Classroom- Chapters 5&6 Reflection

I enjoyed reading chapter 5 when the author explains how the future of education will consist of hybrid courses. Hybrid courses allows students to complete assignments both in class and online. Students have access to course work outside of the classroom. I have taken plenty hybrid courses throughout high school and college and I feel I benefited more by teaching myself discipline skills that I would not have learned by solely sitting in the classroom. Facebook is also mentioned in the educational future. Facebook can be used to create a group for certain classroom subjects. It allows students to connect with other group members and experts within that subject field. Teachers can also post assignment due dates and class information in the calendar that sends reminders.

Socially Networked Classroom Chapter 3&4 Reflection

In chapter 3 of Socially Networked Classroom, there is an overview of general rules that are accepted for blogging. William Chamberlain, a fifth grade teacher from Noel, Missouri, developed ground rules in which everyone has been able to abide by with much respect. His rules state that it is acceptable to critique but unacceptable to be mean, if you are going to say negative things remember to combine it with something positive, be sure to stay on topic, if you do not have anything to say, do not write anything, and always remember that others are able to comment on your post too. These general rules for blogging in the classroom could also apply in real life so creating ground rules is imperative. Blogging is something I would love to incorporate in a classroom because it allows students the opportunity to voice their concerns, ideas, and post relevant information. It also allows students the chance to hear from others all over the world and learn how different other parts of the world may be. There may be students that feel strongly about a topic that may not express themselves otherwise. A blog will give them the chance to do so without the anxiety of speaking aloud. The teacher however should always monitor the blog to ensure that the rules are being followed.

Socially Networked Classroom- Chapter 1&2 Reflection

Chapters 1 and 2 of Socially Networked Classroom provided useful information about how technology has quickly become an individual’s connection to the outside world and examples of activities to use in a low tech environment. The beginning of Chapter 1 caught my eye very quickly. The author speaks truth when he discussed the scenarios where each ends with someone pulling out a cell phone to reconnect with the world.  Cell phones and social media have sort of taken over our lives. It seems as if the world has discontinued the personable social interaction and are solely relying on social media updates, texts, and phone calls. I am currently a social worker for the head-start program and the teachers are not able to use technology in the classroom because of the organization who has the funding and the age of the children. But I found Chapter 2 useful in providing activities that can still be used in a  low tech head start classroom. One activity that early childhood development teachers could use is reading aloud to the students and then having them watch the movie to the book. I can remember reading books in school and then watching the movie and realizing that there were many differences between the two. Discussing the differences between the two with the students is a great way to have them use their thinking skills. Also, I have taken several collegiate courses where our first discussion has been “What are your earliest recollections of reading and writing?” This question allows the teacher to determine what past experiences a student has as well as it gives the student time to reflect and think about what they have learned and what they may need help with. I always enjoy this assignment because each time I can come up with something different which help me with the course.

Virtual Communities

Twitter has been used by various school districts, administrators, educators, and students. Twitter is a form of social media used to broadcast or tweet daily events by the minute. Educators who use Twitter are opening a diverse educational environment. They are choosing to not simply rely on their communication with their students to take place in the classroom but also through the internet. Educators can use Twitter as an open forum for activities, assignments, or just to understand the thoughts of their students. Twitter allows students who are registered to follow their teacher and make comments to their posts. Students can learn of new events taking place and upcoming dates. Twitter is a new generation chat room. I like the idea of teachers using Twitter to post important articles, facts, or quotes from important people that students may not have read otherwise.

www.twitter.com 

Google Groups can be used by teachers to set up and assign study group forums that their students can join and participate in open discussion. Students can also browse similar or interested topics and see what others have to say about a specific topic or subject. 

https://groups.google.com/

WIKI VS BLOGS

BLOG	WIKI
An online journal that is updated daily or weekly by the author	A platform that can be updated at any time by anyone
Created by an individual	Created by many members who add to the platform
Made up of the authors individual opinion and allows others to comment	Represents consensus but can have an associated discussion page

 

BLOG	WIKI
Available through free software	Available through free software
Accessible to public	Accessible to public
Informative and free to opinions	Informative and free to opinions

 

 

Differences between a blog and a wiki: 

·         An online journal is known as a blog which is updated daily or weekly by the author. A wiki is a platform whereby anyone can update it anytime.

·         A blog is owned by an individual whereas a wiki is made up of many members who add to the platform.

·         A blog is usually made up of one persons opinion, followed by peoples comments. Wiki articles represent consensus, but can have an associated discussion/talk page.

Similarities between a blog and a wiki:

·         They both express information and are open to opinion.

·         They both can be accessible to any one in the world.

·         Simple to set up using free software

Creating or participating in a blog gives students the opportunity to discuss assignments or issues relating to class outside of the classroom. Students who do not regularly participate in classroom discussions are able to share their thought in confidence. Active engagement is important in class and this is a great way to enforce participation without singling out students.