The video The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler is a very insightful video. This video talks about a student who is building a network of tools and people he can use to strengthen his learning process. He starts by using tools to help find credible source to put into his network such as Google scholar. After building a knowledge base, he starts his own blog which is open to viewers all over the world to bring in their own views. Using this plus other tools and people, he now has an extended network of experts and professional to help him through his learning process. The best part is that he will be able to share his organization of knowledge to the rest of the world.
After viewing this video, I was amaze at all the different tools that can be used to culminate a large network to help build the learning process. I had no idea that simple things, such as skype and twitter, can be used to build a network. Using these tools, I can communicate to people all over the world to get his or her expertise on certain topics. One key statement made in the video that I personally liked is when the narrator said it never hurts to ask. That is very true. Most people are very willing and happy to share their ideas if they are simply just asked. I believe that it is very important to build a network of connections and after viewing this video it is very simple to do.
In the video, the narrator asked "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" Basically,the teacher was not there to quiz and test the student on material, she was needed for guidance. She showed the student how to use networking tools to the best of that they can be used. She also showed him how to connect to other people and how to interact. However, she was not there to do the work for the student. She pointed the student in the right direction to begin the journey. However, it was up to the student to finish.
A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment or (PLN)
This video of A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment is very interesting. I learned a lot of things after watching it. She has organized it in a way that is very easy understand and straightforward. Also, I was a bit confused on exactly what a personal learning network is. However, after seeing her PLN I now understand better on what it is. It is the tools and people that you use to help progress through the learning process. This video is very informative and I plan on using it as a reference in order to help build my very own PLN.
I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on the Networked Student. We need to be viewing how students are interacting in these types of classrooms because this could be our classrooms in the next few years. It is not only useful to our students but us as teachers as well.
ReplyDeleteAs you stated in your comment towards the 7th Grader's PLN I learned a lot. It is a very organized way to continue our learning.
Teachers also have to create the environment in which learning takes place. that is a challenge a lot of teachers never think about. They just want to follow the plans of others. That often does not work!
ReplyDeleteThoughtful. Interesting.