tirsdag 3. februar 2009

What students want



In this lecture professor Michael Wesch, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology, Kansas State University, discusses both successful and unsuccessful attempts to integrate emerging technologies into the classroom to create a rich virtual learning environment.

WEB 2.0
The laptop is without any doubt a revolutionary device allowing us to access the great possibilities a computer can offer, almost anywhere! The computer provides a great opportunity for learning, but it is also a huge source of distraction for undisciplined students. Facebook, MSN, Twitter, Blogs etc..., are all WEB 2.0 -services which contributes to the sad fact that many students are having a hard time trying to concentrate and learn.



In a survey conducted by Michael Wesch, it turned out that more than fifty percent of students disliked school. Still, when he asked "Do you like to learn?" ALL of them raised their hand...

Today's students like to learn, but obviously not in school with today's way of teaching.

The first challenge is: how can we implement computers and new technology in to the classes in a good way? How can we minimize the students' use of MSN, Facebook etc?

I believe the professor illustrated the problem very well: - We need to make the students knowledge-able, not knowledgeable. They need to learn how to learn.

The real point
The point is: when the humans first learned how to write, it took decades - maybe numerous centuries - before people got used to it. Nowadays, students have to adapt in to new technology, just like they had to with writing many years ago. The ultimate challenge is NOT to teach the students how to use a computer, but how to use it in the right way in a learning situation.

8 kommentarer:

Kjo1v sa...

Meget bra innlegg Hr. Andresen. Men hvor er innlegget ditt om Rykkinn kunne godt tenkt meg å se hvordan du omtaler hjembygda di i forhold til hvordan jeg gjøre det?? At i alt en blogg som bør få Fru. Michalsen til å trekke fram en 6'er fra ermet.

Kristian Otterstad Andresen sa...

Hehe, thanks.

I'll post it during the weekend.

Ann S. Michaelsen sa...

I agree with Kjølv, a well written article that reflects on the way we use technology in the classroom. We have to think differently, and not be afraid of Facebook and so on. This is something we have to learn to live with and if used wisely will enrich the learning environment! Mrs. Michaelsen

Kjo1v sa...

Spander du glass cola hvis du får 6'er på bloggen Hr. Andresen?

Kristian Otterstad Andresen sa...

Hehe, yes Kjølv, I'll buy you several bottles! Please write in English? (a) =)=)

Kjo1v sa...

English? ahh kk I understandr Mr. Andersen. I'll do that from now on.

Mike Wesch sa...

You nailed it with this statement: "The ultimate challenge is NOT to teach the students how to use a computer, but how to use it in the right way in a learning situation." Sometimes other professors say that students already know how to use computers, so we don't need to teach them. The reality is that *nobody* knows the true potential of computers for learning and we should be exploring these possibilities with our students.

Kristian Otterstad Andresen sa...

Hi Professor Wesch!

Thank you for commenting on my blog - I agree with you btw=)

Kristian