Stop being anti-social!!

The public and media seem quick to blame societal problems on technology, especially on the internet, television, and video games. Technology seems all too often the undeserved scapegoat for things like violence and obesity. However, even with this pervasive mind-set, it is impossible to ignore the huge role technology should have in the class room. Saying that kids use technology "too much" should not be seen as a problem, but as a pathway to channel the enthusiasm and interest that this generation of students has. What a great opportunity to connect with students on not only an intellectual level, but also on the level of appreciation for their passion for technology.

Additionally, the public generally sees technology as either a communication inhibitor or a something that completely prohibits interaction. It is only natural to view a child on a computer as someone who is "ignoring" the environment around them. I know (all too well) about that belief. There have been many times where I've been at my computer when my mom or dad walks into the room. The popular phrase for them in that situation is: "Stop being anti-social and get off the computer!!" Or even better, "What do you mean you're talking to your friends...You're not on the phone!"

From my own observations, it seems like society need a little technological enlightenment! As teachers, we have the opportunity and even responsibility to tap into the passion that our students have for technology. Obviously, technology doesn't have to be a communication inhibitor, as I've learned in my life and in my classes. One of the best ways for incorporating technology into the classroom while encouraging interaction seems to be a wiki. I love how something can be posted, then others can contribute to the original post. Ben in his blog talks about using a wiki to help with collaborative note taking. I formally learned about note taking back in middle school. Our teacher stood in front of the class and outlined some ideas about how to effectively take notes. We read a couple articles on the subject. And then we were let loose to try to apply what we had heard!

Ben takes effective note taking to an interactive level. I am a very visual learner, so his ideas impressed me. By using a wiki, students in his classroom "share, compare, and edit notes electronically." Students can comment on each others notes, add to their own notes for study purposes, and see examples of good note taking and poor note taking. All of this allows them to learn about note taking, without knowing that they are learning about it! Check out Ben's blog, there are a few examples of Wikis and Seedwikis, along with a link to an actual classroom application of a Seedwiki. In that same classroom site, there is also a great webquest activity!

Here's the link to Ben's blog: http://www.techsavvyed.net/?p=142

Whoever said that technology isn't interactive obviously hasn't heard about wikis!