One of my goals was to pursue ISTE Indicator 1(b) that suggests teachers “engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.”
This week’s resources regarding implementation of social networking can assist in meeting this goal. When considering real-world issues, for example the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill, students from around the world have an opportunity to question authorities, collaborate on solutions, and question the risk versus value of off-shore drilling, when they work in a social networking environment. Pursuant to Davis (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009), social networking benefits students by allowing them to not only interact with peers from around the world, but to interact with experts. This provides students with new perspectives, new ideas, and new feedback – other than that of the teacher.
As the summer closes in, I have made it a personal goal to plan at least one full-fledged problem-based learning (“PBL”) unit that incorporates the use of social networking. I am thinking students would first develop a relationship with their peers through social networking, prior to a PBL being introduced. It is also obvious that I would be required to collaborate with any other educators that were involved; we would need to agree upon a PBL, the educational standards being addressed, and the length of the unit.
I am looking forward to perusing the sites for social networking in order to set up a collaborative for next year. The benefits are not just for students; teachers also benefit from meeting and working with others outside of their immediate area.
Lori
9th grade English
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Davis, V. (Speaker) Spotlight on technology: social networking and online collaboration, part 2. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
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Lori,
ReplyDeleteI think you have an excellent goal put in place. I agree that teachers can also learn alot with social networking tools.
Katherine
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI have been closely following the Gulf accident, too. I just posted something on Alison's blog about a collaboration between my social studies students with a science colleague to discuss the political and environmental issues associated with the tragedy. I think it is on a lot of minds and if we are thinking about it, our students are, too. The social networking strategy will be a perfect tool for those of us who share this concern to connect, not only to increase our own knowledge but also to develop better solutions to the myriad of problems stemming from the incident.
Carrye DeCrane
Carrye,
ReplyDeleteI find that I am deeply concerned about this issue. I almost wish we were still in school, just so we could delve into this topic. I am hoping, however, that by the end of August, the hole will be plugged and the environment will be clean again - doubtful.
Lori