The social learning strategy states that in order for kids to learn, the material must be just beyond the reach of our students. It then states in order for the kids to comprehend, at some point they need exposure to the more knowledgeable other.
The problem with most websites is that the information is there, and unless it is constructed by peers the level of information can be way over their head or too simplistic for them to learn. I have found that many of my students have no shame using words that are far beyond their comprehension just because they read it on a website and they think that it pertains to their topic. This makes the idea of social learning theory somewhat challenging when applying it to online opportunities. It is really up to the teacher to find a way to make the website material relevant to the students, and still keep it challenging.
The other issue that isn’t discussed here is the conservatism of schools pertaining to teachers interacting with students online. I know that we don’t have a formal no Facebook friends with students policy, but it is severely frowned upon since there have been a few people in other districts and states who have used it for inappropriate contact. When I was first told about this I was friends with may of my track and field kids so that I could monitor their posts and make sure they were living up to my standards as athletes off the field as well. I have been told that this idea is frowned upon and I should no longer use this method for monitoring behavior. This makes the social aspect of the internet somewhat limiting, since it is supposed to be a peer only process.
I think you bring up an excellent point about students using words they do not know the meaning off. I often see this in PowerPoint presentations my students present in health education. I now have put in the direction sheet that they should not use words they do not know the meaning of. If they feel they must use the word for the presentation they are required to research the meaning and share that information with the class during the presentation.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you brought up the point of schools being conservative to teachers interacting with students online. The social aspect of the internet is very limited when it comes to this. It is too bad there isn't a social network for teachers and students for this purpose. Of course, you couldn't monitor your students' posts for your athletes off the field this way, because it would be a different setting. The Penn State scandal comes to mind when it comes to interacting with students as well, and will unfortunately put a damper on this in the future.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a great point with the whole social networking on Facebook. If we think about how quickly these medias have come about, we also have to evaluate the lack of education in these social medias. Just as fast as they log onto these, students have lost all possible means of even knowing an appropriate or inappropriate way to interact with them. This, I feel is the biggest problem today. If only students could take an "online etiquette" class. We could hash out some of the issues educators have to deal with. Of course, you make another great point that the very people parents and students should be able to trust have ruined it because of their inappropriate behaviors. This has turned that frown on us.
Great post!
I like how you tackle the modern day dilema of teachers and Facebook. My district frowns upon teachers interacting with students, they don't ban it , but they really don't want you doing it either. I agree with you, if you are a coach or a teacher that really cares, I don't see anything wrong with being friends on a social network. With all the profile securities that are now attached with Facebook, you can keep your life out of their view, while at the same time you are keeping an eye on them. I currently tell my students that I will friend them when they graduate, but they are always welcome to send me messages and I will answer them back. Social learning is about building bridge and advancing our students, one of those ways should include the correct ways to interact on the internet. It will affect them for the rest of their life in a negative way if they don't learn the right way now.
ReplyDeleteWould you like social learning in a classroom, without the use of a technology media (i.e. website like Facebook)? There is a site called Edmodo which is formatted to look like Facebook. The purpose of this site is to encourage social learning via the internet. Another benefit about this website is that is offers the teacher a place to upload notes, homework, classwork and/or extra resources for their students.
ReplyDeleteBut, I completely agree. Using already created websites is very hard to have all the information grade level and content appropriate.