Week 5 Reading Response

1. Should all teachers be encouraged to create online activities for students within traditional classrooms? Please explain.

Online activities certainly have their place within traditional classrooms. I wouldn't structure my class entirely around online activities, but the internet is such a vital part of our lives in the twenty-first century that it would be a missed opportunity (not to mention irresponsible) not to utilize it in some way. For example, in my discipline traditional research was carried out in libraries and archives. I did some archival work last year, and I even used card catalogs as finding aids for the manuscripts I was reading. This type of traditional research is still important, but in recent years many manuscripts have been catalogued online, with online search engines. This digitization of primary sources (including maps, photographs, letters, diaries, official government documents, etc.) has almost made microfilms obsolete. Students should be taught the skills necessary to utilize these efficient new technologies and online resources. In addition, online activities are often interactive and stimulate interest (such as online simulations of historical events). The only caveat is that not all students may have internet access at home, and teachers should be aware of this when assigning internet-based projects.

2. Envision the role of social networking in 21st century learning environments. Write a brief description of this vision.

Social networking is already being used by many teens and adults to keep in touch. Social networking can also be used to connect students in diverse places who might not otherwise interact. This can break down prejudice and stereotypes. It also gives students a different perspective outside of their own spheres of experience. For example, I could see students connecting with peers in the Middle East and learning out their daily lives from firsthand sources. Teachers can also use it to discuss with colleagues and share teaching tips, lesson plans, and their areas of expertise. My vision is for social networking to be used in positive and educationally-enriching ways in a safe environment. Often the impression that we get of the web is that it is isolating, anonymous. If connections are made, they are superficial and transitory (just think of of how many Facebook "friends" you have that you don't even know--or worse, sites like Chatroulette, with one minute interactions with nameless strangers). However, there is another vision of the web, one articulated by Richardson. It can be "a network of individual nodes of people, connected by ideas and passions, constantly shifting and changing as new connections are found and old ones are reconsidered" (p. 90). This vision of social networking is transformative. It involves reaching out and moving beyond your comfort zone into new territories of thought and relationship.