The one question to answer is advantages and disadvantages of a networked classroom. Well there are some many advantages and disadvantages to everything. Who is really to say an advantage to one persons is not a disadvantage to another. According to PLN the benefits of a networked classroom are; transparent, collaborative, learning centered, accessible, communication based, supportive of problem or inquiry-based learning and driven by authentic assessment. Those excellent strategies for networked classroom working really well also lead us to some challenges as well. PLN states safety and ethical use is number one. Then goes on to list transparency, assessment, ownership/rights and parents as the other challenges or disadvantages of a networked classroom. While reading about each individual advantage and disadvantage I could really see how some could fall on both sides like transparency. I see this daily not even at my own school but I hear from other teacher friends just how afraid teachers are to open their students up to the internet and kinda not play an active role in their learning environment. Some schools are not very open to the idea of Social Media and ban it from school, so therefore you as a teacher who see the advantages of it, are not able to use these methods in your classroom.
The video below shares some ideas on networked classrooms and diversity.
How to slowly change your classroom into a networked classroom. I really think no matter what you have to have a faculty and principal who will support these methods, otherwise you can talk till your blue in the face nothing is going to change. You as the educator need to personally know the ins and outs of all the programs you want to introduce to your students otherwise it will be a learning experience for the both and not really take of as a network in the classroom, but rather a dud. Start small and make little connections inside the school between the students and the different classrooms. When starting small you allow to have failures but also you allow for the students to model what you are doing and learn from the good and the bad. You do not just want to let the students have free range of some of the programs, you need to set boundaries.
The YouTube video was created ACEdotedu and posted to the page on Feb.19 2010
By learning how to use the different platforms as educators, we are making ourselves more aware of the issues surrounding our students. If a student tells you a classmate is harassing them over Twitter how can you do investigate if you don't know anything about Twitter. That is just one example the reason educators need to be networked.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right....If a teacher does not have support from their administrators it will make the situation tough BUT it still can be done.
I like how you mentioned the need for preparation when using technology. I think teachers who struggle with its use or are fearful often struggle due to not being prepared. While there can be unexpected problems, if the teacher knows the "ins and outs" like you mentioned there are sure to have less issues.
ReplyDeleteYou also bring up starting small. I am a firm believer in doing just that. I like to try new tools out first to see exactly how the tool could best be utilized in my classroom with my curriculum.
Thanks for sharing!