DIGITAL BLOG POST #D

               Maloy et al. (2007, pp. 210-211) discuss the impacts of social networking. They state that between 9-17 years of age, 96% use some sort of social networking. Even though this is widely used by young people, most school districts do not allow students to be using these networks during school. Common reasons for this is that they feel students will be distracted by these, and that it will also lead to inappropriate behaviors. I agree that many of the social networks should not be allowed while at school, unless a special room (on the net) was created for class discussions. We are all aware of the fact that social networks have been commonly used to talk badly about others, along with other inappropriate behaviors. If a teacher can monitor what’s being said, and even be apart, then it should be a helpful resource to many students. They also stated that many students resent these restrictions, but at this point in time, it seems to make sense.

               Learning communities online have opened up quite a bit of opportunity in the last decade. People are able to find sites of interest and share, discuss, and dig deeper, into these topics (Maloy et al, 2007, pp. 213). Students are able to contribute in their own way at their own time to a topic amongst a group of people who likely all have the same interests. This makes the students feel a part of something. It’s also noted that people learn from those they hang around with, and in this case, you have students learning from other students who have hopefully researched from the proper places. Teachers can use these communities to allow students to explore their topics, contribute information, and learn from each other. When these communities allow students to share their views, students begin to see others perspectives, and have to think deeper about what they believe. I agree that these communities are helpful and supportive to our goals. One thing they didn’t mention or suggest is the role of the teacher in these. I would assume that the teacher will help, to some degree, and where needed, guidance to the discussions to further the development of their students. I think it’s a good idea for classes to include these type of communities at least once for a project. It’s likely that some students that shy away from class, may feel more comfortable in this type of format. My biggest fear of these would be the lack of guidance or untrust-worthy content being brought forth.

               Technology is making a big impact on those that need accommodations (Maloy et al, 2007, pp. 280). Maloy et al present the idea that with technology, students with disabilities can be kept at the same as other students, instead of modification, by making adjustments to computer basted textbooks. They state that the language can be made appropriate for the learner, and for concepts, they can have hyperlinks to information presented in a way that they can easily learn from, and may do it at their own pace. I agree that technology can have a huge impact on those that are disabled in some way. With the ability to change the text, make it to the learning style of the reader, you will be able to help that child in a greater manner. As long as there are people who make this their job, do it for teachers, and it becomes easily accessible to them, then I believe it would work great. If teachers have to take the time to design these for each student, it probably wouldn’t be possible. The implications are great, and would also be helpful with engagement.

                                          Photo credit to Adam Short from Tagxedo

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly

Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Short, Adam (2016). Performed by http://www.tagxedo.com/app.html?url=http%3A//adamts333.blogspot.com/&shape=Classic&orientation=Any