Hopefully through this course I will be able to tap into the resources available for 21st century learning. Most of the students I work with have been labeled "digital natives". What does this mean...? It could mean that they are well versed in using the digital media available to them. Learning and sharing the knowledge they gain. It could also mean that they plunder around in cyber space carelessly posting this and that, not really learning anything but wasting an awful amount of time.
I want to find a way to use social media, blogs, the web, ....... whatever is the digital buzz word du jour to enhance my Biology teaching. Most of the educators I talk to have no real insight into how to use this new tool. I want to start somewhere. Outside of using YouTube videos, down loading pictures for PowerPoint presentations or finding podcasts this is my extent of using Web tools. I believe I am missing out on many tools available to me to add to my"digital tool belt".
For this class I will set up a Google Docs page for students to post current event articles relating to topics covered in biology. I have used Google Docs before and was not impressed. I used the spreadsheet version with better success.
I would also like to teach my AP biology class at least part on line using the Moodle format the District has provided. I worked on the design and implementation of the Hybrid Biology course currently being taught at Central and Hale so I am hoping this is possible. Most Colleges offer classes online and this would be a great way to give my students a taste of digital learning.
Mike - I had to giggle a little while reading this...as part of my master's program, I used the laptops at school to see if it added to the learning of Stoich...and, just as you said, some really got it and could manuever around the web, while others seemed like they were lost in space! I too am excited to see what Chemistry might look like in a Moodle setting and would like to venture out a little of my teaching style to incorporate other types of technology.
ReplyDeleteA challenge for you...how would you conduct labs using this type of technology? I'm a little worried about that aspect, even though it would get students used to online learning and perhaps using equipment or techniques or chemicals that we don't have.
Mike~ Your comment about an alternate definition of digital native, "could also mean that they plunder around in cyber space carelessly posting this and that, not really learning anything but wasting an awful amount of time" is my focus in teaching one of the new online hybrid classes this year. I find that the students are very skilled at a vast, but shallow, set of digital skills. While they are quick to learn any new tool I give them, they don't go out of their way to find educational uses for available technologies. I see one of our major hurdles as, transforming students' view of technology from purely recreational or as entertainment, to a source for information. One of the things I am trying to do as an introduction to this new idea, is to talk through the basic ways they search for information online all the time; planning for a movie night, directions to a new mall, etc. I have found this very insightful. Students often don't think of this as research at all.....I'm working on it.
ReplyDeleteMike- You are the best! I would agree with your questions about how the kids use technology. I wonder what there focus or motivation will be when there are all kinds of distractions outside of the classroom. I find my motivation is lower because of all of the different windows I have to open in order to complete assignments. I do feel the real advantage to this is the ability to share science data with other classrooms. Nice job on your blog.
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