Personal Learning Network
Visitor vs. Resident by Dr. Dave White Dr. David White challenged the technological theory of Natives vs. Immigrants with a new theory of Visitors vs. Residents. The old theory of Natives vs. Immigrants argues that when it comes to technology, their are two types of people: Natives, who understand and are fluent with technology, and then immigrants, who are attempting to learn the new language but have not mastered it. Dr. White argues that his theory is flawed because it suggests that "old people just don't understand this stuff." Dr. White counters this theory with a new idea in approaching the two types of people who use the internet. Dr. White suggests that when we approach technology, it is "not about academics or technical skills, its about motivation and culture." Thus emerges the theory of Visitors vs. Residents. Visitors are individuals who use technology as a tool that they can use to reach a goal and then they put it back inside the toolbox. In contrast, residents are individuals who have set up a personal network through technology in which they continue to exist even when they are not directly online. Visitors tend to be more personal and do not want to promote their personal life online, whereas for residents, technology is part of their life. This theory suggests that the two type of people who use the internet isn't the difference between literacy and illiteracy, but is the difference between desire to use the internet and aversion towards the internet. Personally, I see myself as more of a resident than a visitor. I use several different forms of social media and rely on some of those outlets to connect with different people in my life. Additionally, I use technology as a way to establish a brand for myself, which is one of the key words that Dr. White used in describing residents. Though I see myself as a resident, I also am aware of certain commonalities that i share with visitors. I absolutely use technology as a tool to reach my goals and I also value my privacy when it comes to my personal life. Though I share some of my personal life on social media outlets, such as Instagram, I monitor my posts and only share what I don't mind others seeing. Additionally, though I am a resident, I am not completely literate when it comes to technology. I learn more and more everyday when it comes to the different tools that I can access through technology and I actively seek news ways to increase my technological knowledge. Learn more about this theory and discover where you fall on the Visitor vs. Resident pendulum by watching the video below. White, D. (2013, May 31). Visitors and Residents [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sFBadv04eY
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Why School by Will Richardson In Will Richardson's Why School, he discusses the rise of technology and the changes technology can and should make in education. In his essay, Richardson presents two different types of reform that will incorporate technology into the classroom. The first reform suggests using technology to 'Better' the way that the current curriculum is delivered to students. The second reform suggest using technology as a tool for students to incorporate in the classroom while adapting the curriculum to current relevant information that would be pertinent to today's students.
After reading about each reform, I side more with the latter reform. I believe that in addition to utilizing technology in the classroom, it is more important to change the actual curriculum that is presented to the students. As a new and up and coming teacher, I believe strongly that students should have a say in what they are learning or, at the very least, how they are learning it. The world is constantly changing and when it comes to education, you can't just use technology as a band-aid...it has to be reinvented in the classroom and work like stitches. It is vital that educators adapt to the changes in the world so that the education they provide makes the most sense for their students. Speaking of adapting, I now want to talk about the 6 unlearning/relearning ideas that Richardson presents in his essay. Richardson created 6 ideas that he believes teachers need to strive toward in order to better the education for our future generations. The one idea that I believe that I can fully commit to is the idea of Being a Master Learner. As the world changes, I believe it is my responsibility as an educator to keep up. I personally strive to connect the material I teach everyday in my class to current events and global ideas. For example, what is the point of me lecturing about immigration in the 1850's? Well, the issues of racism and xenophobia that existed back then still exist today...but in a different way. As I was talking about the commonalities of the past and present, I watched as my students understood why they were being taught something and was exhilarated when a mass discussion broke out between the students...about immigration. If I was not up to date with current news and events, I would not have been able to make this connection for my students. I advocate learning at all ages and frequently refer to myself as a 'forever student'. Though I know that I can fully commit to being a life-long learner (because I already am) I worry that I may not be able to reach all of Richardson's 6 expectations for educators. The idea I foresee myself struggling with the most is the idea of Transferring the Power. Richardson emphasizes that it is important for students to have a say in what they learn. Though I completely agree with that statement, he also encourages finding ways for students to have real experiences in their life to help them learn. The example Richardson used was of a teacher who helped his students build a self sustaining generator. Though absolutely love the idea of students getting out in the world and creating something, I fear that I will struggle in this endeavor. Education cuts are becoming increasingly more evident and it is getting harder to even get permission to let students out of the classroom for a field trip. I hope that I can work on this idea in my classroom and find a way to let my students have the power. Richardson, W. (2012) Why School?: How Education Must Change When Learning and Information Are Everywhere[Kindle]. Retrieved from www.amazon.com |
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Teacher candidate at CSU, San Marcos. Archives
February 2017
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Below is my educational Pinterest Board. Check it out to see where I get some of my ideas! |