Breaking the Walls of the Classroom
What is Connectivism? Connectivism is, "a learning theory that explains how Internet technologies have created for people to learn and share information across the World Wide Web"(Siemens, Downes). Connectivism has redefined classroom learning. Bringing technology into the classroom has allowed students to ask questions and learn more than ever before, because they have so much knowledge and resources at their fingertips. Bringing technology into the classroom and teaching students how to use it is allowing students to be life long learners. When they are done in the classroom and move on to the next grade or graduate, students still have the skill to conduct research and be a digital citizen and an empowered learner. information up way beyond the classroom walls.
Having technology in the classroom is improving student learning in tremendous ways! These students are able to connect and interact with real world issues IN REAL TIME. To include when educators use Skype or some sort of chat to speak with people from all over the world on a topic that the students themselves are not living first-hand, but can connect with someone who is. This is allowing our students to become global collaborators. Or another example used in class today was, having 5th graders write to a state representative on an issue that they themselves could not vote on, but would be impacted by ( making cursive mandatory ). They were able to write an essay on if they should or should not have to learn cursive and send it to their state representative. This is impactful, because not only are the children improving their writing skills, but they are learning how to use their voice in a positive way.
What is Connectivism? Connectivism is, "a learning theory that explains how Internet technologies have created for people to learn and share information across the World Wide Web"(Siemens, Downes). Connectivism has redefined classroom learning. Bringing technology into the classroom has allowed students to ask questions and learn more than ever before, because they have so much knowledge and resources at their fingertips. Bringing technology into the classroom and teaching students how to use it is allowing students to be life long learners. When they are done in the classroom and move on to the next grade or graduate, students still have the skill to conduct research and be a digital citizen and an empowered learner. information up way beyond the classroom walls. 
Having technology in the classroom is improving student learning in tremendous ways! These students are able to connect and interact with real world issues IN REAL TIME. To include when educators use Skype or some sort of chat to speak with people from all over the world on a topic that the students themselves are not living first-hand, but can connect with someone who is. This is allowing our students to become global collaborators. Or another example used in class today was, having 5th graders write to a state representative on an issue that they themselves could not vote on, but would be impacted by ( making cursive mandatory ). They were able to write an essay on if they should or should not have to learn cursive and send it to their state representative. This is impactful, because not only are the children improving their writing skills, but they are learning how to use their voice in a positive way. 
You sum it up well when you call the students "global collaborators". I personally love collaborating with others, especially those of a different perspective. Skype, as you pointed out, lets us do that! It is amazing that our students have to opportunity to engage with people from around the world.
ReplyDeleteAlong the lines of students sending letters to their representative, I find that social media has really impacted activism, because we can join in on a protest half way around the world! It will be interesting to se if this means our students are more likely to speak their mind and stand up for what they believe is right. We talked about how Millennials are a very active generation. Gen Zers may have opportunities to Skype with a representative. Will this cause them to become more invested and active in the political world?