Blog Post 6

The Networked Student

The Networked Student video is all about learning. The video describes the act of learning as "part of a social network of many diverse connections and ties". This is a strong statement. The phrase "social network" shows the vast amount of learning that is possible. We learn much through other learners.
The student in the video uses many tools like Google scholar, social book marking sites, and a reader to build a knowledge base of his topic. Doing this beforehand is especially important because "not knowing" is being set up for failure. Once he has built this knowledge base, he uses other tools such as iTunes, Skype, and Wikispaces to learn more about the topic. Through his wide range of connections, many "new learning opportunities arise".
The question is asked, "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" The answer is simple. A student cannot do everything by himself/herself. No one can be expected to accomplish incredible bits of learning without some guidance. A teacher is needed for support, answering questions, giving demonstrations, and acting as a mentor/coach in the world of learning.

Note: Someone once told me that "learning occurs when there is an increased awareness of what is."


7th grader's PLE

he 7th grader's PLE was a real eye opener. The fact that a 7th grader could possess the knowledge and skills associated with the organization of a PLE is astounding. When I think back to the 7th grade, the only thing I can remember about computers is a typing course, which was fairly new at the time. Looking at how far we have come, to have the ability and means necessary to incorporate these skills into students' education, it is quite clear that things can only get better from here, especially in regards to the main purpose of schooling; to further society.


The Machine

What really spoke to me in this video was the web cam idea. When you video blog or record something, there no fear at first thought because you are recording to an object. However, when you realize that what you do in front of that camera will be seen by many, you tend to act differently. For example, my trumpet professor has me record myself playing. Though it is not a video recording, it is still relative. During my recording session, I want to play to the best of my ability so as not to make myself sound bad. The question is, why should I only want to play to the best of my ability just because I am being recorded. I should want to do that all of the time. No matter what the case, everyone should have strength in their words and action and stand by them, despite who I watching or judging.
The free hugs campaign is amazing. More attention should be given to the message behind the free hugs. They are not simply hugs for sake of being hugs. The college experience can leave you weak, emotional, and seemingly insignificant. These free hugs offer much more than physical contact with another person that cares. It gives college students like myself a way out of this difficult life, if only for a moment. How does this relate to technology? While saying something like “hugs” online is not as effective as in person, the thought is still there. Having people that you can connect with on a daily basis moves students in a positive direction.
In the future, we should always strive for being the best we can. If that our best is not good enough, so be it. We should instill in our students that connectivity and communication is key, and we should always do our best to lead them in the right direction.