23 Matching Annotations
  1. Nov 2018
    1. This means that we need to extend the range of literacy pedagogy so that it does not unduly privilege alphabetical representations, but brings into the classroom multimodal representations, and particularly those typical of the new, digital media. This makes literacy pedagogy all the more engaging for its manifest connections with today’s communications milieu. It also provides a powerful foundation for a pedagogy of synaesthesia, or mode switching.

      This concept can be very powerful as the pedagogy can really make learning authentic and relevant in the growing world of technology therefore motivating kids to be learners and creators as they construct knowledge.

    1. The Multiliteracies view of design has three aspects: Available Designs (found representational forms); the Designing one does (the work you do when you make meaning, how you appropriate and revoice and transform Available Designs); and The Redesigned (how, through the act of Designing, the world and the person are transformed)

      I think this is important in breaking down information and connect back to construction of online content.

    2. Meaning makers don’t simply use what they have been given; they are fully makers and remakers of signs and transformers of meaning.

      I think this is a very relevant quality in the constantly changing world we are in today and therefore we should aim for our students to be meaning makers.

    1. It may be a small designation to make, but I see a great deal of difference between the act of creation, and the sustained, informed, evaluative elements embedded in construction.

      I do see the distinction between construction and creation but I also see how they easily and usually work hand in hand. I think when helping students use the web and technology to guide and scaffold learning both should be included.

  2. Oct 2018
    1. “I don’t believe technology should ever be taught separately,”

      I strongly agree, in this growing world of technology we are going to be increasingly surrounded by it and technology is already incorporated into most aspects of our life. It can also engage students since it is authentic.

    2. But casual digital reading on the internet has instilled bad habits in many students, making it difficult for them to engage deeply with digital text in the same way they do when reading materials printed on paper.

      I have noticed that I tend to want quick info and text instead of being able to read and engage in long text as I am so used to quick and instant information on social media. I am also distracted by other things on technology when I should be doing things like homework.

    1. Students critically evaluate online information by considering the credibility (truthfulness) and validity (usefulness) of the information obtained.

      This is a critical phase (as are the others) that really sets the basis for online navigation that will continue throughout the child's life. It is important to be smart and efficient on the internet and be able to critically analyze what is important, valid, and credible for every search done and even things that come up on social media.

    2. Internet Inquiry Projects are student interest driven, and are more authentic as a learning activity

      This is so important in being able to engage students in their learning and therefore creating more motivated learners who want to gather knowledge about the world around them.

    1. Focusing on the Process, Not Right Answers In math, four times a year, each student is given a set of values or codes to substitute in the equations so that even though the students are working together, they have to focus on the mathematical process and not just the “right answer.” In English, the discussions are open-ended, allowing for multiple right answers.

      I think this is key to getting students motivated to learn. When right answers are emphasized memorization is seen as the key to success and a bad grade or wrong answer allows the individual to view themselves as a failure. It is a very frustrating and backwards mindset that a lot of education enforces. When kids know they are not necessarily looking for the right answer they can relax, which ultimately reduces stress and I think can allow them to be more motivated and creative.

    1. We also offer an approach to learning, design and program building that can expand the opportunities afforded by a changing media environment while minimizing the risks.

      The idea of connected learning in this sense can be directly and smoothly tied to the Web Literacy Map and using the internet safely and effectively in the classroom. Since technology is in the interest of many students I think incorporating media is very beneficial to the goal of connected learning.

    1. It advocates for broadened access to learning that is socially embedded, interest-driven, and oriented toward educational, economic, or political opportunity. Connected learning is realized when a young person is able to pursue a personal interest or passion with the support of friends and caring adults, and is in turn able to link this learning and interest to academic achievement, career success or civic engagement.

      I think the concept of connected learning has a great understanding of getting kids motivated to learn and education should be linked to their interests and environment because that adds so much meaning to learning.

    1. Through collaborative production, friendly competition, civic action, and joint research, youth and adults make things, have fun, learn, and make a difference together.

      This section mentions that through shared practices students can make a difference. I think this is an extremely motivating factor in learning. If students just complete work and turn it in for a grade, the meaning becomes the value of a grade. If they see a difference being made they know they can actually contribute and will be more motivated in the future as well.

    2. Learning is motivating when it grows out of personal interest. A growing body of research indicates that interest helps us pay attention, make connections, persist and engage in deeper learning. For example, when reading about games they enjoy playing, teenage boys read at a much higher level than their reading level in school.

      This is so powerful as a future teacher learning the importance and how to incorporate students' interests into the classroom. When interest is sparked this motivation is created and as this model states it can create somewhat of a chain reaction that can open the doors to so many relationships and opportunities in the future. I think I can incorporate interest into my PBL unit plan and hopefully motivate the students to engage in the learning and collaborate with peers.

  3. Sep 2018
    1. This statement to me is very powerful because the web is an amazing platform for collaboration that can lead to amazing products, discussions, creativity, and so much more. If literacy of the web is missing from people's knowledge they are less likely to attempt to or don not have the means to share and explore on the web and that is a missed opportunity. This paragraph states that learning and teaching digital literacy skills, "allows more and diverse people to shape the Web." Just think how much more power that gives to society and especially our students.

    1. Understanding cannot simply be told; the learner has to actively construct meaning (or misconceptions and forget-fulness will ensue). Teaching for transfer means that learners are given opportuni-ties to apply their learning to new situ-ations and receive timely feedback on their performance to help them improve.

      I think this is a crucial point. Children are not going to simply remember the information let alone understand it if they are just simply told the information by the teacher. Making meaning and forming connections requires students to have engaging activities and a positive experience with the material.

    2. The UbD framework helps focus curriculum and teaching on the develop-ment and deepening of student understanding and transfer of learning (i.e., the ability to effectively use content knowledge and skill)

      When students have a deep understanding they can make connections and when they see that learning can be applied to the real world we have more motivated learners. I feel if students are motivated their ideas and capabilities are boundless. I believe having motivated learners should be a huge part of education, allowing kids to see their potential and how connections can be made.

    1. These efforts seek not to simply understand the web but to empower adolescents to help build a better open web.

      After reading the draft, I think the Web Literacy Map has good intentions and uses. I think the fundamental strands of exploring, building, and connecting are crucial in every aspect and subject of students learning especially in digital literacy. I appreciated how they pointed out that they do not know what the future of web literacy holds because I think if we continue to encourage children to explore and build and then eventually connect, the possibilities will be incredible and endless.

    1. I allow them the choice of which platform to use for the support they need, but I make sure they ask questions.

      I think autonomy in education is very important because it gives students more motivation. And in regards to technology it is important because when they are using technology on their own there are so many platforms and choices they need to learn what fits them best and how they like to collect info and data.

    2. Digital literacy would focus on helping students choose appropriate images, recognize copyright licensing, and cite or get permissions, in addition to reminding students to use alternative text for images to support those with visual disabilities.

      The concept of digital literacy is brand new to me, but instantly I see the importance especially in a growing world of technology. Knowing digital literacy seems to prepare students for the real world in jobs and future education. I think it gives more meaning to the use of technology for students.

    1. How can parents use media as a tool to strengthen their family?

      I think this is a good question that needs to be addressed because as the article states there are positive forces in technology use. Technology isn't going to go away our world is just going to become more immersed in it and good or bad we cannot change this fact. Because of this I think it is important to look for ways and participate in ways that technology can be a beneficial tool in our lives.

    1. Indeed, many teenagers report at least sometimes doing homework while using another medium, including television (51% of teenagers), social networking (50%), text messaging (60%), and listening to music (76%).

      It makes me wonder how much more efficient I would be at getting my homework done if I set aside time and shut my phone off and just worked without any other screen beside what my homework required? I have just grown up answering a text when I get one, checking instagram when I take a homework break and so much more. I do believe I could be more efficient without that while, trying to do homework. The thing that I do not find distracting is music. I like listening to soothing music while doing homework because I believe this helps me focus.

  4. Aug 2018
    1. I certainly see the value of easy and can definitely appreciate a tech initiative for faculty without too much confusing overhead, but in some ways a curriculum around domains should resist the impulse to simplify too much.

      I think there is a way to balance easy and technology because applications of technology can definitely challenge kids and motivate them to be better learners.

    1. But almost all arguments about student privacy, whether those calling for more restrictions or fewer, fail to give students themselves a voice, let alone some assistance in deciding what to share online.

      I think students' voices need to be heard since they have grown up with technology their whole lives. They are being represented by adults who may or may not use technology as frequently and have definitely not grown up from a young age with the advanced technology there is today.