Images Found Using Google Image Search:
Student using computer
EasyBib Logo
Wikipedia Logo
No Fear Shakespeare Logo
Spark Notes Logo
How I made this image:
I used Google Image search to find the picture of the student on the computer, then searched for the logos of each "study aid" found on the internet. The use of computers and its impact on, specifically, English classrooms, is what I am show casing here. I used the computer editing program on my MacBook to copy the various logos onto the computer screen, and then made a collage out of the images using picnik.com. I added the caption at the bottom also using picnik.com.
Lizz,
ReplyDeleteYour picture and caption show a great depiction of the current situation for students and research. As computer internet users we have the world at our finger tips. We are just a few keystrokes away from learning about anything and everything. We must understand though, that it does not always supply us with the answers we need. Anyone can read a Wikipedia article for a quick synopsis of a novel but the themes, symbols, and morals are seldom included. I feel that as future educators, it is our responsibility to show our students how to read between the lines.
Lizz, I think that this image is great in focusing on the negative uses of technology in the classroom. As human beings we are naturally wired to find the quickest way to complete a task, but the quickest does not translate to the most accurate. Starting with easybib a student may be inclined to use this site in order to create a bibliography for a project due to the fast manner in which it can cite sources. However, due to the changing standards in MLA format, easybib does not always cite in the correct way which is obviously problematic. Moving on next to Wikipedia it is common knowledge that the entries on this site can be edited by anyone with a computer. Obviously as a result, someone can conduct a search on Wikipedia and be fed the wrong information. The person conducting the search would not even know if the information is correct or not because they do not have a frame of reference to the information and therefore have to way of indicating if what they are reading is accurate. Though I have never been on no fear Shakespeare, I am assuming that it functions on the same platform as sparknotes. With sparknotes one can find summaries of various types of literature. This too is problematic especially in a literature class because with this site one obtains strictly the plot and therefore receives the gist of what is going on. In a literature class it is essential to read the original work and notice detail in order to fully understand the text and from there create a literary analysis. It is clear that all of the websites included in this image promote the easy way out when it comes to completing assignments. As teachers we are to stress the importance of completing assignments fully and independently. If a student does not understand why they must contribute all of that time in effort in completing class work and homework, chances are they will not. Additionally, as teachers we must insure that students are aware of the pitfalls of these types of websites in order to ensure that they will not use them and be able to identify others that will bring them similar results.
ReplyDeleteLizz,
ReplyDeleteYour picture is most definitely an accurate description of how students rely on the computer to do everything for them. Prior knowledge and skill just don't seem to come into play with schooling anymore. Students rely almost wholly on technology, and if they can't find it through technological resources, they seem to be under the impression that it can't be found or it doesn't exist. I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I've never used those sites because I have, just like every other college (and now high school) student has. But, I also know how to do things without the computer to help me, while younger generations, I fear, don't know how to. The technological advances both intrigue and worry me for the future generations. What is going to have to happen is for someone to realize that there is a dependency on technology and they're going to have to change it, but with the advances and the speed that they're developing, there's really no turning back, and that's a sad thought.
Lizz,
ReplyDeleteThis truly is an awesome picture to represent how students have chosen to rely on technology to assist them with their learning and sometimes how they base their learning entirely on this assitance. I do think that this is similar to my own picture in the sense that I feel as educators we will be combating a truly epic battle with students for them to learn the way that is not more efficient but will allow them to grasp so much more from texts. How would you see yourself implementing and advising students to rely on an actual text for support rather than focusing on the abridged version that many of these sites showcase?
Lizz, interesting photo. Can you help me understand your choice of technology?
DeleteKevin,
DeleteI chose computers to show the replacement of "older" forms of technology. As is seen in the video, the teacher was using video games on the computer to teacher her students various cognitive thought processes. Students tend to lean to what is the easiest to comprehend, or the least work intensive, for a variety of reasons. I was trying to show how although computers can be used to teach and access information, it can also become a detriment to a student's desire to read and work through difficult material.
Lizz,
ReplyDeleteI feel that your picture accurately describes the process many students take to familiarize themselves with course information. It is a pity that students no longer use the course materials provided to them but rather replace traditional learning through study guides and summary sites, some of which have inaccurate information. I feel that with the influx of these sites it is now more important than ever to inform students how to distinguish between scholarly sites with beneficial information and those sites which may be unreliable sources. Do you have any ideas on how this can successfully be done to ensure students have the skills necessary to differentiate between these sites?