A View of Students in the Networked World
The old chalk and talk method of teaching isn't cutting it anymore. However, dinosaurs are the last to know of their imminent extinction.
The lecture method was developed in the Middle Ages when only the college could afford the hand written book. Thus, the professor lectured the content to the students.
The lecture method:
"Today I am going to lecture (blather on) you on Dallas, Texas and give you a quiz on what I say next time. No questions please - I only have three hours...."
"Now first, as all of you know Dallas is the city where JFK was assassinated....."
The Web 2.0 networked world method:
The students explore Dallas on the Web and follow their interests. Each student enters an area of interest into a wiki created to collaborate on Dallas.
Each group of 3 students creates a blog about something unusual, unique and interesting about Dallas and does a 10 minute presentation using pictures, weblinks, video or any other engaging content.
For example, as a starting point - search Wikipedia for Dallas
Within the description of Dallas, I have discovered that Dallas is a center for the Arts. Who knew? I was surprised. Next, I find a specific museum that I am interested in knowing more about and post the website of the Nasher collection. I am interested in presenting this to the class and enter Nasher sculpture garden into the class Dallas wiki.
I ask my friends on Facebook if anyone has visited art museums in Dallas. A friend responds and has pictures he took from a recent visit! I share them in my blog and during my group presentation to the class.
Which is more engaging - a three hour lecture or a Web 2.0 tools exploration by all students who share their results in engaging visual ways?
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