Blog Post #6

The Networked Student
The post by Wendy Drexler was quite interesting to learn about. As we've been learning so far, technology is a very evident part of the world around us now, whether we like it or not. At this point, the realization that technology is vital for the future of education is very clear to me. After watching this video, I do feel that the "networked student" could be the ideal role for students in the years to come.
I think it is very important for students to learn how to research information and try things for themselves; basically, they need to be able to teach themselves and retain information on their own. Thanks to technology, this ability is far from impossible. In fact, there are more than enough search engines, devices, and blogging websites available for students with a plethora of questions. The idea of having a Personal Learning Network (PLN)is very helpful, in my opinion. In the past, it is safe to say that individualism has been restricted in students, if not discouraged completely. By using PLN, students will be able to express their personalities, creativity, and help them learn in a way that will help them be able to use the concepts that they have learned. Being able to communicate with others through blogging with students and other professors also helps them stay connected with great sources of information and with others who share similar ideas.
To me, the best aspect of The Networked student is that although students are learning to use technology effectively and become familiar with the web, they are still able to taught from educators. While the purpose of this way of learning is to allow students to learn on their own, they will still be guided from well-fitted teachers who are experts in these fields. This could very well be the next movement that forever changes the education system as we know it. Behind every great movement in history, there was a great leader. The Civil Rights Movement had Martin Luther King, Jr. Those in India suffering under British power had Ghandi, and the Israelites leaving bondage in Egypt had Moses. This may seem like an odd mix of movements, but they all have one thing in common: they probably would not have endured had they not had an exceptional leader guiding their steps. I believe that it is the same way with this type of learning system. No matter how many tools and resources children are exposed to, they will never know how to use it to the best of their abilities if they are not instructed how.

A 7th Grader's Personal Learning Environment (or PLN)
The video was a great example of a basic PLE. I am very unfamiliar with many new concepts of technology-based learning, so I felt that it was a great instruction video for a first-time PLE user. I can see many similarities between it and my own PLN on my EDM 310 class blog profile. Although my blog page is set up very differently than her PLE, the main idea in both is very much the same. It is my own online space to finish assignments and learn with others. I loved the idea that a game helped her learn a concept in her science class, and that she is able to use Skype and other online materials to communicate with teachers around the world and ask questions if she needs to. Through blogging, I am able to do the same thing if I ever felt the need to. I think that both my PLN and her PLE are enhancing our abilities to use the majority of aspects of technology that is helpful in learning and better preparing us for the technology-driven world around us.