Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Social networking - how children learn
Seni Thomas is staking his future on social networking and how it affects our lives. Is social networking important for today's children? What can we do as teachers to connect the pedagogy, content and technology so that students are ready for the world. 21st Century literacy is critical to education, the workplace, the future. Are schools ready? Are teachers prepared? What is your role?
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Social Networking allows children to feel like they are part of their community. It allows them to exercise their freedom of speech as well as let them learn from others.
It is our responsibility as teachers to monitor what our children do on the internet. Sites like imbee.com give teachers a forum for kids to write on the internet without the fear of predators using their information. With older children it is important that if they are to use myspace and other sites that are shared with adults that they follow basic rules to ensure their safety.
Social Networking is, of course, important for today's children. But no more or less important than it was in previous generations. Each generation participates in a system of socialization, developing skills that will prepare them for being productive participants in society. In the 21st century the shape and form of this socialization is ever changing. It has grown to include the use of electronics and the digital median.
I have a knee-jerk reaction when I see kids going to MY SPACE, or text messaging each other, using their PSPs, taking videos and photos with their cell phones, posing for digital photos in "inappropriate poses" and posting them on the Internet.... I don't like it. Not one bit.
I know that these technologies are here to stay... or are perhaps stepping stones to the next technology... but there are so many things I don't like about them. First and foremost is HOW the students are using them. The level and quality of their usage is at times appalling. In addition, I worry what long-term affect their usages will bring. As these technologies are playing a greater and greater role in their socialization, what is happening to their abilities to communicate WITHOUT these devices. Are we raising a new generation of people who will not be able to express themselves without and electronic device? What are the repercussion of that? Also... has the digital age brought about innovations that have enabled students to decrease their verbal communications and isolated people in a certain way? Finally, we seem to live in a world of instant gratification and short attention spans. I see two disturbing trends. For one, their ability to focus on one thing and produce something of quality. Their pride in their abilities to multi-task has NOT, in my opinion, produced a more productive individual. It has produced a generation where standards are lower, output is inconsistent, and quality has suffered. In addition, I see students in love with the "prize" or "reward," and little interest in the process and what it takes to accomplish something. They want to be rewarded and recognized, but are unwilling or unable to put forth the effort. I find myself asking myself... What role has technology played here?
But to say that the technologies they are using are harmful and thus should be discouraged is also missing the point. We have no choice. As educators we have to know how to meet the students on their own playing fields. If text messaging and MY SPACE type websites are what they are into, than it is not only advisable that we learn about these technologies (and how the kids are using them), it is our responsibility. We have to learn how to connect these technologies to pedagogy, content and learning objectives. We have to use the tools they like to lead them to healthier, more nurturing places. We have to stay ahead of them... or at least keep up with them... when it comes to these technologies, and trust our own instincts when it comes to their proper uses.
The schools are most definitely NOT prepared for this. Many teachers hold steadfast to their tried and trusted ways. Others feel uncomfortable, and perhaps, intimidated by these technologies, and lack the vision and knowhow towards using them to further the learning objectives. From these circumstances I am able to envision my own role. I share in these teachers trepidation in using the technology, yet recognize their importance in reaching our students and providing them with 21st century skills. In addition, through my video and television work, I have become somewhat of a "gadget guy," quick to learn new technologies and possessing an educational eye in how to incorporate them. I also recognize many of the drawbacks of the digital age, and the need to create curriculum that is NOT centered on the technology, but utilizes it to achieve educational objectives. In this sense I feel I am a good "ambassador" for technology for these older teachers, and my role is to help them find productive ways to incorporate it.
I see a role for myself with the younger members of the staff as well. Most of these young teachers were educated in the digital age, and have incorporated many forms of technology into their lives. They do not fear change and utilizing the technology, but may lack educational and world experience that will allow them to utilize it effectively. These teachers, for me, represent the future of our educational system, and we need to provide them with a great choice of experienced mentors who are technologically savvy as well.
The issue of social networking should be overlooked. Social networking is very important. Many students learn more, in a shorter period of time, from their peers. Social networking allows individuals to interact and relate to each other in a mutually beneficial manner.As Steve said, it is not going anywhere soon. The video entitled "Hole in the wall" is a great video that demonstrates the extent to which kids can benefit. Although , they were using technology, the children were all interacting with each other. This also helped them to develop social skills. While the need for technology is overwhelming, social skills are also vital to the holistical development of an individual.
We as educators have to help the children to use this aspect of socialisation by providing more opportunity for them to get involved. Also, more attention should be paid to them whenever they are using the Internet. They should be monitored. We should assign activities that will help them to develop social skills. For instance, we could have the students collaboratively on specific topics. These skills could be used later to make them become better global citizens.
I believe schools are ready and to a large extent some teachers especially the young ones are ready.
My role is to help both students and teachers who are new to develop a mix that incorporate technology with curriculum. Students should be encouraged to develop and use these skills as they realised their dreams
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