Here's the first one:
Johnson, Denise. "Teaching With Authors’ Blogs: Connections, Collaboration,
Creativity." Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 54(3). November 2010.
Creativity." Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 54(3). November 2010.
Having just spent a week with my thirteen year-old niece who texted even between the moment her bowling ball was sent down the alley and the moment it came out of the ball return, this passage really jumped out at me:
Most students use online networks to extend friendships, but only a small number use those network to explore interests or find information beyond what they have access to at school or in their community (Ito et al., 2008). This lack of engagement with online networks as a learning resource suggests new ways of thinking about the role of classroom teachers.As Richardson (2009) explained, “If we continue to simply pass paper back and forth in our classrooms, we are not preparing students for the world they are entering” (p. 30). What would it mean to really exploit the potential of the learning opportunities available through online resources and networks? Exploiting the potential use of authors’ blogs in the language arts curriculum can result in establishing an authentic learning environment that creates powerful connections, collaboration, and creativity that promotes learning and challenges thinking.
My niece does not use much technology in her school life except for the phone she takes there herself. She also cannot tell me much about any of her courses except art. Now, it may be that she's just not interested in school right now (she wouldn't be the first teenager to think about other things instead), but there is obviously some kind of disconnect, and I wonder whether a connection might be made or strengthened if her experiences inside of school in terms of technology better matched her life outside of it. It is such an important part of her life--what if her counselor texted? If her math teacher texted a question for the next day's class ? Would it become uncool to text or would it help remind her that midterms are coming up?
Of course, using technology is not enough. There must be a thoughtful, interesting reason to use the tools. As a literature professor, I love the idea of using author's blogs to help create an immediate bond between the students and the writer. I wonder whether there are authors other than children's authors who blog and check in frequently. I'm going to research this a bit.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts... I too see a disconnect between the classroom, the lives of students, and the use of technology. The internet alone is such an amazing tool that may just be the greatest jump forward in the history of man. I mean, when in history has anyone but those in power had access to so much information. It is sad that we do not understand the great tool at our fingertips to inspire and learn.
ReplyDeleteIt really is the same kind of paradigm shift as when Gutenberg started rolling out affordable Bibles and then more affordable books began to be printed. We are living in pretty amazing times.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to texting teens. I have two teenagers and I find myself reminding them appropriate/inappropriate times to text with friends.
ReplyDeleteYou pose some interesting questions......parts of me thinks that teachers and counselors texting students would have a great effect simply because technology consumes teens! However, many of the students may also be turned off by the thought and simply disregard what was said. I think that more technology should be used in the classroom in order to get rid of the disconnect. However, moderation of use is key!
ReplyDeleteExactly--when adults start to do it, it isn't cool anymore, right? Maybe if used in moderation, or when the student is the one reaching out. One of my colleagues gives his number for students to text him should they come to his office outside of office hours. They can text him and if he's not in a meeting, he'll come back to the office to see them.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, her texting is really crazy! I must say, though, when we told her that there were no phones allowed at the table, she didn't fuss. She just left her phone in her room and didn't rush through the meal or anything. I am taking that as a positive sign...
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