I usually print out the materials to read to prepare my blog for the week. However, I had a wonderful weekend with friends and my daughter was fast asleep in the room with my printer; therefore, I had to read the articles electronically. I find this to be extremely difficult for me as a learner. As I read the articles, I was amazed at how this simple process was related. When I try to read books or longer articles directly from an electronic device, I really struggle with trying to stay focused and/or comprehend the purpose of the text. Do you share this problem?
The Preparing for the Next Generation article, illustrated how students use the Internet in a positive way to push the options or resources for research. The tech savvy generations have been molded to be 'multi-taskers'. Think about how they/we manipulate our computers with the various open windows, tabbing options, communication vehicles, and etc. They/we push the machines, so we can continue to complete multiple 'tasks' at once. For instance, the power and social side of the Internet allowed my husband and I to travel to Yellowstone with minimal (less than 24 hours) planning. I simply posted an entry on my Facebook page and my friends were able to make suggestions and provide helpful information. This was very similar to the Pearl Harbor portion of the article and I was amazed at the wealth of information we were able to obtain in such a short period of time.
In the "You Won't Be Needing Your Laptops Today": Wired Bodies in the Wireless Classroom article, there seemed to be a love/hate (fear) relationship with technology specifically the Internet in the private all girl school. It seemed they were able to discern the need for providing the wireless classroom per say; however, when it impacted what would seem to be the traditional classroom, there were roadblocks and fear factors put in play. This really undermined the original intent of the project.
I am a big fan of Eric Jensen's brain based learning approach to education. It seems so evident that we don't all learn the same way, but we often teach like we all learn the same way. By recognizing or researching this, education may be more successful. Please feel free to visit - http://www.jensenlearning.com/principles.php
I appreciated both articles for their commitment to engage students via technology. We just must remember not to stifle the approach, but let it be organic in its use to see where it can be useful and successful absent of fear. The use of this technology could engage the learner and aid in the comprehension of the subject matter.
I agree with you that it is hard to get away from paper, even in our technology driven society. I very rarely print off anything that is already electronic unless I have to (I just can't rationalize printing on paper something I can already read on a screen). However, in regard to class readings I do often have a notebook nearby to take notes which I then formulate into discussions or papers. I feel like this practice is a little "old school" but I get my ideas out better if I can still see the text on the screen as I am jotting down my own notes, rather than flipping back and forth between 2 programs on the computer. It's interesting how everyone has their own preferences for using technology that is not neccessarily generational.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your narrative opening to this post and totally agree how just that simple break of habit [reading on paper vs reading on the screen] can change things for you as a learner. All of my freshman admit to never printing material out, although at my previous university, which was not a laptop campus, it seemed that was the case because of the price of printer ink...interesting stuff to consider.
ReplyDeleteI agree that teachers who ask students to use new technologies can't force one way upon them. We need to be open to the students teaching us too. One of the reasons I haven't taught with blogs in years is because I disliked the idea of "forced blogging." This MSTPC program, I feel, lends itself to this type of engagement and I hope you all agree!
Finally, the main thing I liked in this blog post was its readability and your paragraph organization. Each reading is mentioned and then you go on to bring in supplemental sources. Keep it up!
"When I try to read books or longer articles directly from an electronic device, I really struggle with trying to stay focused and/or comprehend the purpose of the text. Do you share this problem?" YES! I seem to be conditioned to skim-reading when I'm in front of a computer or reading something from a screen. This is why I generally print out each week's articles.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the Jensen link. I plan on checking it out a little later because it sounds fascinating. I enjoy reading about psycology and how people learn and retain information.
I'm guilty of printing out all the readings. I also find it hard to concentrate while reading lengthy articles on a computer screen. Also, I'm staring at a computer for most of my day at work, so my eyes need a break.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about printing out the readings. Last week I didn't have access to a printer and panicked thinking I'd have to read everything electronically. I struggle staying focused and my eyes tire very quickly.
I agree with your observation on the love/hate (fear) with technology, and I believe that, as educators, it's our responsibility to explore new technologies and be open to alternative teaching methods.
With the price of toner...I am trying not to print my readings out. Although I find some are easier to read electronically than others.
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