Like it or not, Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs) - in particular the most recent generation called Social Media - are invading every aspect of our personal and professional lives. The question that all educators need to ask themselves is "How am I going to respond in the face of these developments?"
In chapter 1, Richardson introduces the concept of the Read/Write Web, referred to by some as Web 2.0, and presents a compelling case for why teachers need to consider technology in their practice and how they might think about using it to support student learning.
Create a comment below and share your thoughts about some of the issues raised in the chapter. Here are some prompt questions to get you started...
What resonated most for you? How do you respond to the notion of learning first, teaching second? Thinking of the context in which you will be working, what might be the role for technology and what would you need to do in order to support this?
Resources:
Blog Page: http://edu607sp2015.blogspot.com/p/readwrite-web.html
Course OER: https://sites.google.com/site/tech4teachlearn/books/book-discussion-activity/ch-1-the-readwrite-web
The Read/Write Web is a great tool for not only gleaning information from the web, but great for students and teachers to interact in a world of trying out ideas and learning about new thoughts and information. I believe the web is critical for our students to learn how to use in education, but also how it will serve them in the future in their career lives. Students are adept at using the web for social purposes. They may not so familiar with the internet as a working or educational tool. I have seen small educational blogs used effectively. Teachers have used a blog format for students to comment on a shared book or story. They write their thoughts online for discussion and input much like a book club. I think something that I identified with was the responsibility teachers have on not only to keep students safe, but to give them the tools to use the web. We instruct students on how to use calculators, use dictionaries and look up information in the library-we need to do this on the internet as well.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Helping to develop digital literacy skills definitely should include using tools safely, learning how to critically evaluate the reliability and validity of sources, appropriate usage, etc.
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ReplyDeleteThe expansion of Tim Berners-Lee’s idea of a Read/Write Internet grew beyond what one would have had imagined twenty years ago. With the rapid rate of Internet usage and how innovative each website, technology, and idea can be processed and marketed for the world to see instantly, educators cannot fall behind in teaching students methods to utilize this information-publication source. However, the incorporation of the practice into a school curriculum is fragile and has to be well thought out. Like everything else, teachers have to obtain knowledge and methods of usage before they can teach students to properly facilitate the tools of the web. Chapter one gives great insight on why it is important to keep children apace and innovative with the Internet, and how incorporating the practices into school agenda will help children develop literacy and competency towards the application of the web.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that schools should be leaders in technology education and use. We are behind and there is much we have to do in catching up with the fast paced-always changing world of the web world. I see teachers as really needing to be leaders in the classroom and in the innovators that can affect global change in the schools. Change seems to move slower at the administrative/district level, yet many are moving to more advanced learning environments for their schools-movement is slow. The web is a democratic tool in some regard-one of the aims of schools to teach democratic ideals.
DeleteYes, especially given the huge range of free tools that are out there. Some of them can get annoying if you have to put up with ads, but even something like GoogleApps is a huge advancement. I'm a firm believer that the only way to keep somewhat apace, is to take small steps but be open to trying out new things.
DeleteThe role of technology has changed even for the youngest of children over the past few years. Students of all ages are easily navigating ipads, iphones, and the web effortlessly. I believe it is important to educate ourselves as teachers on the ways students are communicating with each other as well as how they are accessing information and utilizing apps. The more we are aware and up to date the more we can communicate safety issues with students within a meaningful context as well as share information with them. For the younger students the web can be a great communication tool with parents. I am really looking forward creating a weblog for classroom use. I like the idea of creating a class portal to be able to share with families what is happening in the classroom. I want to be able to create a dialogue with parents where students learning can be visible, and parents can interact in a meaningful way with me as well as other parents. I love the idea of being able to share course curriculum, handouts, homework assignments, and update information for the class that parents (or older students) can have access to whenever they need it. I was intimidated by the word "blog" because I thought I would need to write a lot, but I like the practical implications that this source of communication allows.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing how this project unfolds for you Linda.
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ReplyDeleteI came to this reading with two assumptions:
ReplyDelete1) A technology text written in 2006, and spruced up in 2010 is likely to be as relevant as a typewriter manual for being "cutting-edge"
2) Shoving "Technology" into classrooms just because it is possible is likely unwise and distracting.
I was wrong in major ways, Richardson gives insightful and convincing perspectives on how blogging and other technologies are part of a paradigm shift in how our global conception of knowledge. Something that stuck with me is the author's criticism that most technology use in the classroom is simply digitizing what we have always done. The changing technology is not an "interruption of learning,"or a way for penny-pinching districts and eco-friendly teachers to rejoice at our lack of waste. Instead, it is a tide that is changing regardless of our approval and which brings with it fantastic opportunities for new modes of learning an knowing.
I am glad to start the course by being so blatantly wrong, what an exciting start!
I have kept a bit of that skeptical eye toward Richardson as well Jeffrey. I do think that he's at the point where an infusion of new content would be good. But the book is still solid, not only for those who might not be as savvy about Web 2.0 tools but also because he provides some great ideas for how teachers can implement these tools in the classroom using terms and language that is very accessible.
DeleteI am a firm believer in the philosophy that you have to learn first and teach second. This is ever so present in almost every school, where there are classrooms that the students are far more advanced in the technology that the teachers who are suppose to be the experts in. I have seen this firsthand as a parent also. There have been many occasions in which my daughters have amazed me with their use of technology at a very young age. I can assure you that they did not learn from me. I think that the first few chapters highlighted some key issues in regards to our current educations system. It was also realistic in discussing how hard it will be to correct. It is a very exciting time to become a teacher and we have the opportunity to help make positive changes in our classrooms and schools through the use of technology.
ReplyDeleteThe philosophy learn first and teach second is extremely important. Especially when we look at this subject, because even though I'm pretty young now, as I get older, the students will probably become better versed in technology than I will be. So in order to teach, it's important to learn the new technology as it evolves. Personally, I will be teaching in early elementary most likely, so the role of technology will probably be using games to learn math, reading, writing, etc. Also, although at first I did not love the idea of blogs, and to be honest, I'm not sure I had even ever read a blog, after reading the text I am more comfortable with the idea. I thought it was more of a diary of what someone did on a day to day basis, and that's really not the case. It wouldn't be a bad idea to create a blog to keep parents involved in what's going on in the classroom, etc. So that might be another use for technology in early elementary. I might use something like Moodle or Blackboard to post calendars and extra worksheets or something, depending on the grade I teach, but I could see a use for that too. Technology can really be used to enhance teaching at any grade level.
ReplyDeleteFrom chapter one the thing that stood out the most to me was how different generations learn. This idea of students of this generation will or can learn better through the use of technology. The idea of learning first and teaching second seems reasonable to me. I feel that a teacher must know what they are teaching to be able to properly implement the curriculum. The role of technology in a math classroom seems to be greatly expanding. I've currently seen the use of online supports such as IXL, NovelStars and Apex used in the classroom. As a teacher I think we have need to always be expanding our own knowledge to best support the students we serve.
ReplyDeleteI love the notion learn first, teach second and the way that Richardson puts it to "be selfish" (8) in order to get yourself to a point of understanding before presenting these things to your class. Richardson comments that our students are already "out there" (6) using these technologies but that they are told they can't use when in school. If educators take the time to learn first the uses of these technologies then they are able to nurture those devices that the students are already using and turn them into a way of learning. The fact that students are told to put those technologies away made me realize just how slow we are progressing in bringing those technologies to the classroom. For me, I would love to utilize technology in my classroom someday. I want to explore blogging more with elementary students. Read/Write Web is something I plan on using someday as an educator and to support it I plan on introducing my students to the technologies available particularly blogs as a way to introduce this idea of using resources beyond our classroom and to make connections with professionals and gain greater understanding of our lessons. I'm excited to explore more ways to incorporate technology into the curriculum and looking forward to the rest of this course and the Richardson book.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the idea that blogging can develop one's critical reading and thinking skills . I visualize bringing this tool into the classroom and in addition to using a blog to polish their writing I also see what a great motivational tool the idea of a large, unknown audience could be for young writers .
ReplyDeleteYes, blogging is a great tool for writing, language arts. When my daughters were teens, they used to love this public writing blog. People would put up stories, sometimes they were written collaboratively. I got some great insights into the power of these types of tools watching them.
DeleteFirst of all, I have not been the type of person to keep up with the latest technology so taking this class and reading this book will be good for me yet challenging. I actually remember using HTML codes in my computer class during high school and the thought of blogging for this class was terrifying! I am so glad to see how far technology has come and how much easier it is to do things. I am becoming more and more excited about the blog that I created in class on Tuesday as I am realizing its potential. Right now I am using it as a way to keep track of resources and interesting information that I find during my journey through this program. In the future, I would love to create a classroom blog and include resources for parents as well as my students. I also plan on familiarizing myself with the technology that is available in our school and see how I can implement it in the sped classroom. Since technology is invading our professional lives, whether I like it or not, I better learn first so that I can teach second.
ReplyDeleteWhat you say about the ease of new social media is so true Sierra. You can still fiddle around with HTML and Java if you're savvy and want to create your own look & feel, but these tools come with so may rich options that you can still customize and personlize without having to know any programming. Things have really come along way in a very short period of time.
DeleteI think the thing that resonated most with me was the fact that I see how effective technology is in the classroom. technology is used in many facets in the school that I teach in, and it is incredible to see how much more the students know than I do; children so easily navigate through different avenues of technology and can definitely be an asset to our learning too. The learn first teach second made me think of a reading that we did for Ed Psych, that you can't effectively teach something until you have understanding of it yourself. If you learn about, and know more about a subject, being able to teach it effectively becomes easier and more clear for our students. As educators, our learning needs to evolve just as our environments do, so that we can teach effectively, even if some of our students have deeper knowledge of some things than we do. look forward to utilizing different technologies in my classroom in the future. I believe there are many benefits to using technology in the classroom that range from students learning and knowing about the different resources available, to the ideas of giving shy students a voice in the classroom. We all learn differently, and the idea of being able to tap into those differences through technology is really exciting!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! Maybe you can generate some ideas while you're in this course that you can then try out in the classroom?
DeleteWell...as great as technology can be I just found out how frustrating it can be as well. After writing a blog post and clicking publish it failed to publish because I was not logged in as the write user :) here is my second attempt.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry :0( Was it another gmail account?
DeleteI agree with the statement "learn first teach second" because I have seen first hand the benefits of having technology within the classrooms that I have worked in, especially with special education. Having the opportunity to use technology with special needs students has been so beneficial. From computers, i-pods, i-pads, battery operated mobile head sets, and motorized wheel chairs. The list will only continue to increase. As educators embracing this opportunity will only help parents and other teachers to work together for each student to thrive in his or her capacity. Each special needs student has their own ability to succeed in school and in life based on their own determination and support. I hope as an educator I can remember this as I am preparing for each student that I work with currently and in the future.
ReplyDeleteEric, hopefully you will get to actually explore some of these ideas while you are in the program. If you don't have access to an iPad, you can always borrow one from the lending library. Sets can also be signed out for short stints if you want to try something with your students.
DeleteI am very intrigued with the all the technology that is being introduced in this course. I agree that it's important to first learn a skill before you can teach it. I am looking forward to the many uses of technology and all the tools we are exploring to engage and enhance students learning in a variety of settings and disciplines.
ReplyDeleteWhat resonated most for you? How do you respond to the notion of learning first, teaching second? Thinking of the context in which you will be working, what might be the role for technology and what would you need to do in order to support this?
ReplyDeleteWhat resonated most with me was what the original intentions of the Read/Write Web were. It was meant to create a place for collaboration, except it ended up being a linear medium to get information from. Web 2.0 has finally brought us into an age where we collaborate without being in the same room. We can officially create a "web" of thoughts and ideas from one another.
Learning first? Teaching second? When I read this, I was not surprised. I was lucky enough to learn in classrooms that foster this kind of environment. Like in our Inquiry 612 class, teacher should be evaluating themselves, their process, the students, the environments, and the factors to constantly make improvements on learning. The teacher is constantly learning and adapting their tactics to increase learning. The Read/Write Web is a perfect place for the teacher to aid students is various processes to create new ways for learning. Technology creates an environment where the students and teacher play an equally important role in learning. Where learning comes first, and teaching comes second because its not about the "teaching" its about the process.
The role of technology would be another way to open up a window with a student who has a disability. I think this is something work researching and thinking more about. How can technology help a student who cannot speak? Or maybe a student who can't hold a pencil? Or a student who is being taught math traditionally, but still can't understand the concept of counting?
Technology currently plays a huge role in the classroom that I support as an assistant and undoubtedly will continue to play a large roll in my career as a special education teacher. In terms of special education, technology opens many doors and creates many opportunities for those who are differently abled. I have had the opportunity to see first hand how technology can give people a voice and how it can create mobility. It also offers endless access to information and communication that can also create opportunities. The possibilities are endless! This is why it is extremely important to learn first, then teach. In order for students to have success access these technologies, they must be shown how to do so. It is important as teachers that we realize that we always need to be open to learn. As technology changes and evolves, it is extremely important that we continue to learn so that we can and evolve with it. Richardson states it well, “That doesn’t mean that every teacher needs to start a blog or create a wiki or a podcast. But it does mean that, as educators, we must tap into the potentials that these tools give us for learning” (9).
ReplyDeleteI've been in the field of technology in my past so much of this is not new to me, on the other hand social media is new and not something I have been comfortable with. Because of that, it is a great plan to learn first and teach second. I'm much happier getting my feet wet applying social technology in an area that I am very interested in and especially where I can see it solving a problem that I already have. For example, I have found the problem when teaching students computer programming, that I have detailed information that I need to pass on to them. EdModo (like Moodle) is a great tool for that. It solves a problem of getting information to a student and also to their parents who help them at home. But becoming more of a classroom community? Specifically, showing more of myself online? That will be something I need to practice. I do also believe that taking risks is an important ingredient to accomplishment and some of these things that come more easily to today's youth will require some risk taking from the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteI think what resonated most with me is how big the use of technology in the classroom has become. I am not in a school where we use a lot of technology, but I have been in classrooms where the use of technology is key. I really enjoy watching the students being able to explore ideas and share their thoughts with others on the web. It is just one more resource to help our students grow in their academics and as people.
ReplyDeleteI agree with learning first, teaching second, however I think we can learn a lot while teaching our students as well. There are certain things a teacher needs to know before stepping into a classroom. The subject a teacher teaches for example is a very important thing to have learned before teaching others. Students come to learn and if as a teacher you are not prepared, the students cannot learn. On the other hand, as teachers we can learn so much by listening and engaging with our students. In the Transition Program that I currently work in, I learn new things from my students every day. However, if I did not open up that opportunity, it most likely wouldn't happen.
There are many different ways the role of technology could be used in the classroom I hope to one day be teaching. In a Special Education classroom, technology is a great way to break barriers for students that are not able to communicate. It is amazing the technology now available for those students in order to allow them to communicate with their teachers and peers. In a History classroom, technology can open up doors to explore worlds a textbook just cannot take a student. For a subject that is known to many as a boring one, the use of technology in the classroom can help make learning history fun. For example, when I was in college and working on my thesis paper, we were given the use of different forms on technology to do our research. The interesting part, was some of these forms of technology were old and out-dated, but what an experience it was to learn how to use them. I was finding images and handwritten details of witch trials in Spain from the 1300s. Even though the technology used was not a computer or a fancy tablet, it was a new experience and a fun way to be learning the information I needed. I hope in my classroom I can give my students the opportunity to learn using many different forms of technology.