Monday, February 20, 2012

Learning in New Media Environments

The idea of introducing new technology into a culture is an interesting one. We all hope that it will benefit us and help us to get to information, connect to other easily, among other things. There is the concern, according to the video, that this might change our culture for the worst. In some ways this is already true. The concept of texting and using Facebook has caused so much distraction when used too much. There are so many accidents caused by texting and driving, and so many students are distracted by using Facebook in class rather than paying attention. I also think that new media has changed the way that we interact with each other. I know for myself, that I rarely call anyone on the phone, it is way more convenient to text them. Sometimes it is easier and cheaper to Skype my friends from far away rather than visit them like I used to. So really less face to face interaction is needed. It connects us in ways, but it in a way limits us from becoming more personable. The thing that hit me the most during this video was the idea of learning should be applied. Since we live in this technological world full of information that is easily accessible, then why do we need to learn it in class. I think that learning should be more in application and refining skills. For math, I think that this can be done by giving students assignments that use problem solving skills in a problem that directly applies to them or an interest of theirs. It will force them to better understand the material and practice their logic and reasoning skills in which a lot of students lack. This way, students will get more out of the lesson than simply learning facts.


3 comments:

  1. That's awesome! What kind of problem for problem solving skills would you use that applies to their interests?

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  2. I think a lot of it depends on the students and the topic. The other day when I was observing a class I saw them do a problem on proportionality that directly related the size of the statue of liberty to them by comparing the ratio of their noses to the statue's nose to estimate the size of the arm, leg, foot, etc.

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  3. Julie, great point on how learning should be applied. Students need problem solving skills not just the ability to follow a set of steps. Our students are very good at regurgitating information but fall flat when you ask them to take a piece of information and apply it to a situation outside of where they learned it.

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