Dean Shareski is teaching a university level class and apparently not all his students have started drinking the “tech koolaid” — and I find that refreshing.
Just today — he twittered that one of his students had left a comment on Will Richardson’s blog — I ran over to read it — and clapped my hands. I agree with what she said about writing a note — as an experiment. Personally, I very very much enjoy receiving and sending hand written notes still. (look for the comment by Meg) Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Meg!!
Another student posted a blog post about cyber footrprints being clickable and wonder the value of such footprints. I thought the blog post was well written and shows the student is truly thinking things through instead of just nodding acceptance. (http://mattshuya.wordpress.com/2008/11/14/being-clickable/) Good job, Matt, I appreciate your honesty!!
I am pleased to see that his students are not jumping on the bandwagon just because they are given example of why they should. I am glad that they are taking the time to evaluate and sift and not just agree because it would be the easiest thing to do. And I am especially glad that Dean is showing us — and inviting us — to share and learn along with his students.
I look forward to reading more from Meg and Matt as they are journeying on this road. And I thank Dean for allowing us to go along on the ride.
Jen
November 17th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Thanks Jen,
While I really want them to embrace some new methods and understand the shifting of learning, I want them to have critical eyes and make wise decisions. These responses make me think that’s what’s happening. I also think it’s difficult for educators to respectfully disagree with ideas. That’s a bit of the problem with online interactions, either everyone is so nice and compliant that little critical thinking emerges or people hide behind anonymity and exhibit less than civilized behaviours. These guys get it right.
Thanks for highlighting their work.
November 27th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I really think a big reason I have tried to quench my thirst with tech is that it is an accommodation for me – handwriting is terrible and it hurts and it is s-l-o-w. So using tech frees me. I find the same to be true for many learners whom I get paid to teach (really they are teaching me valuable lessons!).
Luckily, that thirst is never quenched – I always want more!