“… in an online environment fraught with so many potential
distractions, how do we teach ourselves and our students to maintain a level of
attention and focus that will allow them to learn deeply?” (PLN, p.26) I agree
that learning networks are not a one-size-fits-all solution; majority of my
kids have little to no self-discipline and have a difficult time keeping up even
when I’m constantly reminding them and asking them to stay on task or to turn
something in. These are the kids that I am worried about. Will we be able to
teach them to use the attention strategies needed to be successful in an educational
world that is constantly connected? Don’t
get me wrong, I am all about the BYOD in schools when used efficiently. It
opens up so many opportunities for our students and allows us to bring so much of
the outside world into our classrooms. I’m more worried about the “attention literacy”
of these students.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
PLN Reflection
As I read through this week’s chapters I continue to think
about the educational future of my students. Some of them, maybe a handful, at
the age of 10 are disciplined enough and would be successful in an online
learning environment. I know the book said that they are not disconnected from
the world because of the online learning networks they are creating, but wouldn’t
they miss out on those social cues and the interactions of their peers?
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I think with technology you have more opportunity to engage students which would benefit their ability to block distraction. But, like any tool I think we have to teach in balance, meaning not all students are able to do their best work reading or testing online. This has been especially true for my attention deficit students who say its hard to read a screen because it looks like its moving. Just like using manipulatives or grouping students for learning conversations, there is always a learning curve for attentiveness and appropriateness.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good point that it is not the best method for all students. What is going to happen with those students when the state standardized tests are completely computer based?
DeleteTests have already begun going online, specifically Algebra EOC's for middle and high school. This presents the opportunity to teach how to take online tests and incorporate strategies that we use for pencil and paper. I can't say the online testing is the best, but it certainly gives way to immediate results and remediation.
DeleteThe immidiate results are a bonus of the online testing. I know at the elementary level we have started doing more with teaching the kids how to navigate the computers and internet and to become better typers.
DeleteThis is the biggest problem we need to overcome when we use technology in school, there is just so much that can be a distraction for our students. We see it in our classrooms each day, so many of us fear we are opening a Pandora's box when we give them these tools. We can't stop the flow of tech in our schools, we know it's going to be amazingly important and shift our schools in drastic ways in a few year, but the next step is their literacy with technology. It's a difficult idea, although these MET classes focus on teaching our students these skills, we then have to become proponents of digital literacy of our schools, because I'm not seeing these skills being taught the way they need to be yet if we are headed to networked classrooms very soon.
ReplyDeleteHopefully as more and more schools transition to BYOD digital literacy becomes more important.
DeleteI agree about the attention of students with technology. I think it would take a lot of focus and practice with the students to teach them how to stay on track and concentrate on their learning. In my classroom, I feel that whenever my students get to use the computers, there are a few that I have to constantly remind to pay attention to what they are doing. We do a program called XtraMath, where it is basically timed math fact practice. Well, needless to say, since it is timed, I can't tell you how often I have to remind them to not talk to their partner, or turn around and see what's happening behind them. I really can't imagine some of these kiddos doing online learning on their own at home or whatnot. However, with technology growing, I think it could come to this and they will have to learn to be self discipline so they can succeed.
ReplyDeleteI think about some of my students and wonder if they will ever be self disciplined enough to be able to succeed in a technology based education. I am sure that not all classrooms in the futere will "flip," but if it's an option hopefully they will be able to make the best choice for themselves.
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