The article, Its Not About the Tool: Why Online Student Collaboration Should Focus on State Standards by Sean Capelle, argues that classroom use of wikis and blogs should be based on state standards. He makes the point that instead of focusing on the specific tool, educators should focus on the outcome of using the tool. The author makes some valid points about the effectiveness of using Web 2.0 tools for learning and the importance of recognizing potential security issues. To an experienced educator, some of the author’s comments might seem redundant and obvious. Yet, as we become excited to use new technology, it is important to keep in mind the outcomes we are trying to achieve through its use. Technology after all is just another tool for learning.
Since aligning lessons with state standards is nothing new for any educator, it shouldn’t be any different when introducing technology. But, does technology drive the project or the standard? If there were no such thing as state standards than the answer would clearly be the project. There are many exciting and fun projects that can be done using wikis and blogs to support classroom lessons. If classroom lessons are following state standards, then the use of technological tools will also coincide with standards. In reality, just like with any tool, projects and standards go hand in hand. The main objective is to come up with valuable outcomes that support learning goals in order to make the experience worthwhile.
I did agree with the author that it is not enough to say, “My class made a wiki or my class created a blog”. We don’t want to use tools just for the sake of using them as buzz words to show parents we are up with modern technology. As discussed in previous blogs and readings, it is our job as educators to show students how to use technology to build skills. They might already have experiences making wikis or blogs and can explore more on their own once given lessons. We can show students interesting new ways to collaborate and create most likely exceeding state standards.
I did agree with the author that it is not enough to say, “My class made a wiki or my class created a blog”. We don’t want to use tools just for the sake of using them as buzz words to show parents we are up with modern technology. I do agree with this statement too. Why are we using them? Why is important for our students to work within a blog or wiki? I agree the article was a bit obvious! All educators who are good at what the do, do everything for a reason with outcomes that are tied to district and state standards.
ReplyDelete