computer age
There is almost to much information on the web, ect. We can't possibly process it or comprehend. I really would like to fuse to the school and new school and find a center of gravity.
Donald,
The main thing I like to talk to students about is how to distinguish what is good information on the Web and what is not reliable information. It's good that they can distinguish between the two.
Why are you worried about the sheer amount of information on the web? Are you not aware that collective knowledge is far greater than expert knowledge. With the advent of the world wide web, we as a species can now record and access the collective learning and knowledge of others. I find the amount of information on the web to be awe inspiring. I can now never run out of things to learn. What a joy!
Andrew,
You're right. Just because it's on the Web doesn't mean it's helpful or what we need. Keep up the good work.
I think it's also up to us to focus them a little more to what they need specifically to get a job. There are 9 million "how to..." websites out there but if you aren't learning the specfic tools you need to succeed in the field, they are useless!
Merging into the computer age is a must in this day. Everything is becoming automated and interaction based. I love the new technologies that are out there because it is so much that can be utilized and many times at no cost.
Douglas,
Organization and structure are helpful components of the online environment. If students can't figure out where they are supposed to go online, get lost when they try to navigate the system, they'll never find what they need and get frustrated. Good point.
I think the key here is that we as instructors have to provide structure and a lense by which students can learn. Yes all the content in the world is at their finger tips... but if they do not know how to organize the content and make sense of it... it is worthless.
Breezy,
Yes, I call my class a Community of Learners (COL) as we all learn from each other. I even have COL activities so they understand they will learn from each other by editing each other's work, peer review, etc. And, it's true we have to explain to our students how to assess good information or good/reliable Web sites. Thanks for your input.
I agree, sometimes we instructors can learn from our students. I know that sometimes when I have asked my students to provide me with different resources from the web. I am surprised that they are other links available that students can surf. Even though this information is available I tell my students to be careful of this sites because of the refernecing could not hold credit.
Jessica & Cathleen,
Thanks for building off of each other's posting in this forum. It's good to see the continuation of conversation. We have so much to learn from others. Thanks again.
Cathleen, I agree with you completely. I was just saying today that in order to be an efficient and effective teacher you must be willing to learn from your students! Thanks for sharing!
Tena, I find that I often learn from my students...especially the young, tech savvy ones. I just got my first Smart phone and it is quite a challenge! I think the essence of being an instructor in a leraning community is having the openness to learn from one's students.
Eric,
You are right. Knowing everything is impossible. That's why it's important to also involve the students and learn from them.
