Teaching in a networked world gives teachers the opportunity to integrate tools and technologies that can make learning more relevant. I am excited to be involved in education when there are so many exciting new challenges. Not just for educators, but for students as well. I believe these times are an example of a paradigm shift between old school and new aged learning. At no time, have I ever considered (or imagined) connecting students all over the world. For the first time, I believe that the classroom can be an environment that is relevant to what is actually going on in the world. The world is demanding 21st Century Skills. I agree with Catherine Hiltz when she states that we are educating students for jobs that no longer exist.
This made me think of a time (years ago), I was an aide in an Algebra class. I remember students being frustrated. So many students asked “why do I have to learn this?” I remember being in turmoil because I couldn’t respond. I really couldn’t see why all students had to learn how to manipulate complicated formulas. Students were introduced to complicated formulas, which only the teacher and maybe one other student in the class would ever really understand. My response would take the focus off of the math and focus on the importance of thinking critically. I thought maybe the manipulation of formulas had nothing to do with the math. I would tell students that it was very important to learn to think critically. Wouldn't it be more relevant to teach students how to manipulat technology to solve problems?
Reflecting on my own educational experience, I tried to relate to what students were learning. I remember clearly feeling that what we were expecting students to know and be able to do, was irrelevant to what is going on in the world. I could not relate and connect the two. So, what does this mean when we think of education? What are we training students for? For me, creating a networked classroom gives students the opportunity to be prepared for both worlds. I believe connecting students to the outside world makes learning more appropriate. While learning content, students can learn new technologies that will help them function in post secondary planning. This provides an opportunity to take old school practices into the real world and make learning more relavant.
Positive Student Profiles
Relevant learning is not complete without a lesson on creating a positive student profile. We spend a great deal of class time creating a positive student profile for their digital portfolio. What makes a profile positive? What makes a profile negative? How can an online profile impact a student? We also cover learning to target an audience. Students need to understand who their audience is. They may think they are communicating with peers in a fun social network. It is important for students to realize that they may be communicating with potential employers and college admissions board. They might also be communicating with a phsychopath. We discuss the positive and negative aspects of an online communication. We discuss the illusions behind private settings. We discuss how schools, colleges, parents and potential employees utilize this information to make decisions about each other.
Students actually write thier "positive student profile". Their first edit includes crossing out negative information, views, opinions and images of self etc. It often amazes me that most students are confident mentioning their pitfalls, weaknesses and personality flaws. They actually have a more difficult time accentuating the positive. We practice this. Their second edit requires them to make two positive statements for every one negative. I believe this helps students recognize the many audiences their profiles address. They need to work actively in creating a profile that pleases the right audiences. Or, they otherwise attract a dangerous audience that will demand more. They have to be careful not to attract the wrong audience.
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