Modeling
20 10 2007I just commented on Cathy Nelson’s blog on the issue of keeping up with current tech trends and possibilities — especially those presented by Web 2.0 technologies. I got to thinking about how I try to do just that: demonstrate to students the value of the technologies, and their potential, by using them myself. I think, however, that we’re putting process before product if we just focus on the technology — it needs to be leveraged to create better learning opportunities, which in turn should lead to greater learning on the part of the students.
I realized that my very recent foray into 2.0 tech (about a month and ticking) is just that — well, at least I think it is. I’m using a Wiki to help my advanced students (in a dual-enrollment American history course) write a college-level research paper. In order to model both use of the technology and research skills — as well as the creation of a final product — I’m going through the same process they are, and am writing a paper along with them. By using the Wiki, I can easily post updates, and they can all see that I’m working through the same steps they are, at the same time. Additionally, we’re using the individual Wiki pages within the space as workspaces for my students to research, draft, revise, and finalize their papers.
Check it out if you’re interested.
jdg
Saw your comment on Cathy’s blog.
The problem extends to faculty as well as students. Check out this posting re.
the nature of our profession:
http://www.ed421.com/?p=363
diane
Diane: I agree. It’s a shame that many who are charged with opening the eyes of the youth, and setting little fires in their hearts and minds, have so little initiative themselves. I’ve met a great many educators in my years as a student and teacher who stopped learning once they received their undergraduate diploma. These are the same people who, after a career of 30 years have actually only taught the same year, 30 times over. Very sad.
With the advent of so much “new” in the field, the gap between what those people could do, and what they actually do, only widens. And students and communities pay the greatest price for it.
jdg