Chapter 1 Teaching and Learning the Structure of Information:
Alan November begins chapter one with saying that the internet is an open space where people can express any version of the truth. Therefore we need to teach the students how to evaluate the websites and the information they are using. He introduces MAPping a plan we can use to help students access information they need and make meaning of it. MAP stands for:
Meta-web information
Authors
Purpose
Students need to learn how to evaluate the website address, the author and why the website was created. When reading this I couldn't believe how important this is and yet I do not see it happening. Unless it is happening in the upper grades. Not only do I think it is important for students now to learn this but also adults. His ideas go along with the NETS for teachers and students.
Chapter 2 Empowering Learning by Expanding Relationships:
Alan begins with speaking about how educators need to help students be information literate and communications literate. With technology we are able to communicate with others. There are some great tools we can use in our classroom as a learning opportunity and way for students to become communications literate. One tool Alan talks about is Skype. You can use Skype in different ways in the classroom. Teachers can pair students up to work together on a project from different schools, states, towns or countries. Work as a group to research information from other people globally. Ask an expert about information they are studying about. Teachers can setup an a couple hours in the evening for homework help through Skype (rules should be placed). Including students who are not able to come to school because of an illness or accidents, etc. The students would be able to participate in class through Skype. Alan also believe that technology will help us with the school to family connections. Parents will be able to know what is happening in the schools. Alan gave a great example of what a district did for their families since there was a digital divide. They asked for a grant and the parents were able to connect through a modem. The parents and students loved the idea. This would be great if it could happen in every district. There will be more authentic applications of practicing a skill if we use the communication tools. The last idea I found interesting in this chapter was publishing students work on the web. I have seen this before but I would love to try to implement it. The students will feel important.
Check out
Thinkquest- a website that holds students projects.
Chapter 3 Emerging Roles within the Knowledge Community:
Teachers are to learn that changes are good. It is okay to change roles. As teachers we want to teach them, however we need to let the students take hold of their own learning. They should own their learning to a certain point. As teachers we can guide them through it. This chapter reminded me of the NETS for teachers and students. Students are to become critical thinkers and solve their problems.
Alan has some great advice for educators. Through my experience students are motivated with technology. I hope that we will all be able to integrate it more with our teaching and not make it separate. I hope that the focus of standardized testing will diminish and we can help our students become critical thinkers. With these ideas I feel like the students will enjoy to learn again.
