This is all I could think about when he was talking about dig:
This video brought to light some very interesting ideas about using wiki-spaces both in and out of the classroom. Throughout my entire college coursework I was always told NEVER to use wikipedia as a source because of many of the reasons that the speaker presented. He makes a very valid point however when he states that text books are not always accurate either, either because of the book being an old edition or in some instances, corporate agenda.
I particularly like the idea of flat classrooms that he presented, it will make a student feel so much more empowered knowing that they are apart of the process rather than just being talked at. Calling a student a consultant, what a forward thinking idea.
This video brought to my attention the benefit that can be gained from using wiki-spaces
I also really liked that he called students consultants. I think the days in which teachers were the only source of classroom knowledge, there to impart their great wisdom upon the students, is long over. One of the things I'm most excited about with teaching is how much I'm going to get to learn from my students. Obviously I'll teach them, too, but I'm stoked to see what they have to offer.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a student as a consultant. This approach will give students the power to be a part of the teaching process. Furthermore, i think it will give students a sense of ownership of their input in the classroom and i think this will increase their motivation to learn!!
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that you were told "never to use Wikipedia as a source" throughout your entire college coursework. I was told the same thing, but I always just assumed that it was obvious to not cite the actual website, but the links and sources at the bottom. It's one thing to put the fear into your students and bash Wikipedia, but it's another thing to act like you never visited Wikipedia in your research at all and simply cite the original sources. The stigma against Wikipedia is dated and tired. If Wikipedia came out today (magically bursting with its endless content), I feel that people wouldn't have the same problems with it as they did 5 years ago. Students should not feel ashamed anymore for using Wikipedia. As Warlick said, students can be consultants and that feels good.
ReplyDeleteI agree that I was told time and again not to use wikipedia for a paper by teachers...and time and again I would start my research right at wikipedia by getting a general overview of the subject matter and find some helpful links. I'm not for consulting wikipedia as an absolute authority, but I think it's a great place to get ideas.
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