People have been trying to find ways to communicate since ancient man drew pictures on cave walls. Technology has always played a part in communication and learning as with the invention of the printing press, radio and television. Ivan Illich wrote of educational webs and envisioned a society empowered through the use of audio cassette tapes and the postal service. (Deschooling Society 1971) I wonder what Ivan would think of today's opportunities for teachers to connect and communicate with students using Web 2.0 tools.
A blog can be used to provide students with personal online space to pose questions, publish work in progress and comment on other web sources. A blog is not limited to just one author because it can include fellow students, teachers, and subject specialists.
Students are digital natives and we must communicate with them using digital media. Podcasting engages students in ways the printed page can't. Podcasts can be used by teachers to extend class time, provide review activities and deliver lectures. Podcasts created by students help them to understand content more fully, become more engaged in the learning process and offer them authentic learning experiences.
Media sharing sites such as YouTube and Flickr improve student participation and learning. Class projects that involve presentations or directions on how to do something can be enhanced with images and video uploaded to the class web site. Students can then collaborate and provide feedback on on-going projects.
Ivan was afraid of machines (computers) as he thought humans would become their servants, but I believe today's students have wrestled the machine (computer) into becoming their servants. If you don't believe this is true, please view the attached video The State of the Internet by Jesse Thomas and it may change your mind.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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