What
is a networked classroom? With the
availability of Web 2.0 tools, useful websites for classroom and lesson
planning, blogs and podcasts the classroom of today might also be called a
networked classroom if online communication and collaboration is being used
largely for the interaction of the class participants. There are some advantages and disadvantages
of a networked classroom.
·
Disadvantages
include:
o Online safety of
students
o Technology integration
into the classroom with students who may not be comfortable with new media
tools
o Students want to
“try” the new, emerging technology without actually having to “learn” how to
use it correctly
·
Advantages
include:
o Offering choices
with online resources; giving students options to complete assignments with
various tools to choose from depending on what the student may already be familiar
with using
o Communication
with students can take place at anytime and anywhere. Using online tools can allow teachers and
students to chat, text, blog, email and communicate through any of the online
tools available.
A
teacher can slowly transition their classroom to become a networked classroom
by first knowing what is available, how it can become beneficial to the class
and understanding how the tool/resource will be integrated into the classroom. Knowing what resources are available is the
first step in becoming a networked classroom.
Keeping up with the trends can only help educators to discover what new technologies
are available; one step further, teachers must know how to use these tools
before they can introduce them to students.
One of my biggest pet peeves are teachers who assign web page design, for
example, without first knowing how to design a web page themselves. It will be harder in the long run for
educators to lose sight of emerging trends with online resources when most of
our resources are in fact, online.
So
once we become aware with what is available and understand how to use it, we
then need to decide how it will fit into our curriculum. Just because something looks neat does not
mean it will fit into our needs in the classroom. For example, in the article online, 7 Ed Tech Trends to Watch in 2014, a digital
textbook is #4 on the list. For my
courses, a digital textbook isn’t always the best option. My students are using Photoshop and InDesign
software programs and having a digital textbook to learn these software
programs would not have worked well with the assignments. I found it easier to show them how to use the
software on the overhead so they could follow along with me on the overhead
projector. To my point, just because a
digital textbook is an emerging trend does not mean it will work for me in my
classroom.
A
networked classroom may address the diverse needs of all learners, especially if
you have visual learners in the classroom. The online tool being used could coincide
with written directions to enhance the lesson.
Also, the idea of completing the work at anytime and anywhere may
encourage learners with additional needs to work at their own pace and not the
pace of the traditional classroom setting. Keeping the class safe in this online
environment needs to be the top priority with the integration of technology
adding to the enhancement of the lesson and encouraging all students to
collaborate in this new, digital setting.
 |
| Photo courtesy of: 21st Century Learning Lab Blog |
