The title of the text is, "Personal Learning Networks: Using the Power of Connections to Transform Education. The authors give us great insight into the importance of technology in education. They compare this technological surge to the Industrial Revolution Age. Educators, students, and society must become more aware of what's occurring and take an active effort in getting on board with the 21st century skill-set. The authors remind educators that if a change in teaching (incorporating technology) doesn't occur, then we are going to be left behind. They continue, in chapter 2, to give strategies to help educators can create their own Personal Learning Networks. Having and utilizing networked classrooms via technology provides many opportunities to collaborate with other teachers and classes.
I completely agree with the authors in that transforming the classroom is not simply something that is done during a class period and forgotten about, but that it will take time and a great deal of effort. It requires input and cooperation from the teachers, students, and administration. It is suggested that creating PLN's will help to advance technology and prepare students for the ever changing global society.
Until next time,
Sutton4Science
Science Teacher
- sutton4science
- United States
- 7th and 8th grade Science Teacher, Robotics coach
Before reading our books I never really thought of the technological surge we are having as being similar to the Industrial Revolution. Which makes me wonder if in a few hundred years this time frame will be referred to as the Technology Revolution. I could honestly see that happening with such a boom we are having with technology.
ReplyDeleteI too agree that transforming the classroom isn't simple. A lot of times it is hard to try and get everyone on board with your ideas. With out getting cooperation from every body it will almost not even happen before you get started. PLN are so good for schools because you can help students continue their learning all day long. It wouldn't have to stop as soon as the last bell rang and they get on the bus. I think if you could get everyone to realize that you would get a lot of cooperation with students, staff and administrators.
I agree as well with your comment about "transforming the classroom is not simply something that is done during a class period and forgotten about, but that it will take time and a great deal of effort. It requires input and cooperation from the teachers, students, and administration." We have been trying to get this across to our administration this year. They began a new technology program, are using librarians as tech teachers, and they are expecting us to teach all the technology they think the kids should know. Well this is impossible when we only see them once a week for 45 minutes. Teachers really need to implement these things in their regular classroom so the kids understand how technology meshes with the things they are learning in their classroom. But then the problem lies with teachers not feeling comfortable enough to use the technology. There is such a huge technology gap between teachers who have been teaching for a long time, and newer teachers. Things are changing so fast it's becoming very hard to keep up.
ReplyDeleteIt's that great deal of time and effort that has kept many teachers from changing the way they teach. I struggle making time to take an old lesson and making it into a better one using technology and I love using technology. I can definitly see how teachers that aren't comfortable with technology would shy away from changing their lessons, even if it is best for the students. It is going to take a lot of professional development to get teachers comfortable enough to change lessons, which means administration is going to have to really invest in technology resources if they want the best for their students.
ReplyDelete