Skip Discover Education Main Navigation

Thoughts from Week Five - Ch. 8-9

lmacconnell
Posts: 5
 Location: Texas
 Joined: 2008-06-27
Thoughts from Week Five - Ch. 8-9

Here are my notes from the last discussion. 

  • Net Gen norm of "freedom" means that they prefer "backwards hours," especially after moving back home after college
    • Illustrates the notion that Boomers found their freedom outside while NetGen finds freedom online
    • Illustrates that moving back home does not seem like a bad thing, especially since their voice was always valued as part of the "open family" concept
      • Schools should provide education about online tools and interactions kids are having for those families whose parents are not teaching their children these skills
      • New e-rate funds depend on this type of instruction
        • Virginia is already producing this type of instruction (Internet safety and integration)
        • What students receive in "life skills" type classes may not be explicit enough (especially regarding the issue of communication norms for different audiences, etc.)
  • Big mindset shift:  Let the students empower the teacher since they already know the technology skills
    • Some hesitate because they think that student-centered education will lead to spoiled students
    • Some "student showcase" projects at a recent conference were similar to projects that students completed 10-12 years ago, but the students enjoyed them more because of the technological and collaborative aspects
  • "Generation Lap" (Dell example from the book)
    • Do we think that the students in their apathy and disruptive behaviors are telling us they need more personalized, student-centered learning, especially with technology.  Choice is part of the freedom they demand.
  • Mobility
    • Cell phones provide a much different learning environment than traditional classrooms.  Allow students to use their phones, but in ways that enhance their learning--not as a distraction.  What's your confidence leavel that students would be able to filter appropriate vs. inappropriate use?
    • www.cellphonesinlearning.com
  • "Helicopter" parents
    • Do schools' content management systems help or hinder this situation?  One example is SchoolLoop and Moodle, which allow for student discussion boards and other collaborative tools. 
    • The support that parents provide to our students definitely have a positive influence, but we have to wean students into taking self-responsibility
    • Teach communication norms with collaborative online tools (i.e. Your Facebook page is your "social self" while your SchoolLoop or Moodle page is your "educational self.")  Concept of "digital presence."

Links from this discussion

‹ video conferencing Thoughts from Week Four - Ch. 6-7 ›

Submitted by lmacconnell on Fri, 03/13/2009 - 8:21am.