How do we get our students to reach out from beyond their phones and Social Media? Reach out from beyond their small group of friends? We use the phone and Social Media.
Connectivism Theory suggests that learning occurs for students (and everyone for that matter) through connections within networks of people. Kids are connected to hundreds of friends instantaneously via Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Twitter, etc. A new tweet? Wee-Hoo, or whatever that Tweet sound is on phones. They instantly know when something new has been said. In fact, the technology tells them "hey, some one posted, check it out now!" Kids aren't waiting an hour and then checking to see whats been posted; its all about the now and check this post or this Tweet now.
So how can use this idea to encourage the kids to reach out? ISTE Standard 7 for students says "Global Collaborator." Wait, aren't the kids already connected globally? Instantly too? Yes, but what about in ways of learning?
As a history guy, I would want my kids connecting with the history of what I'm teaching. Teaching about the Civil Rights movement? The Hippy Movement? Vietnam anti-war protests? Have the kids get connected with the authors, people of the time. Find blogs about the events, post, get replies, stay connected. Email authors of books and articles, see what their thoughts are that aren't in the words of the pages.
Kids aren't going to learn about this through their Facebook, so we get them connected to the world; connected to what others think of the events. Get them researching articles and finding information from around the globe to draw together themes and ideas. Follow blogs on their social media to learn new ideas and new viewpoints. There is a mountain of information out their, and we should let the kids use their connectedness to networks to expand their knowledge and interests.
No comments:
Post a Comment