Journal 9 - "The Kids Are All Right"

Waters, John K. (March 2009). The Kids Are All Right. T-H-E Journal, Retrieved April 10, 2009, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/24104

A recent study found that certain technological activities that students are engaging in should not be disregarded as unusable in education. Many of the friendship-driven, interest-driven, social-driven, “messing around” technologies that students use have some serious potential as educational tools. Such technologies can be very valuable educational tools and a great way to engage students and make education more relevant to them. The idea behind using these technologies in education is the concept of self-directed learning (Waters 2009).

“One of the most important things I think educators should take away from this study is that they need to find a way to be open and receptive to the things students are doing online on their own, “ says Heather Horst who was a researcher on the project. Students today are incredibly technologically savvy and are very interested in what the internet and technology have to offer them socially, so why not encourage students to use these technologies educationally as well? It could even create a positive bond between student and teacher. “One of the best things that teachers can do is to have their students teach them how to navigate the technology,” Boyd says. “When teachers are willing to change the power dynamics and learn from their students, trust is built” (Waters 2009).

Question 1 – What are some problems that could arise if “messing around” technologies were integrated into education?

There could be potential for problems when integrating “messing around” technologies into the classroom. Boundaries would have to be put in place and students would need to be monitored in some activities to insure that they stay on task and practice responsible digital-age citizenship. Even considering the need for these boundaries, I believe integrating such technologies into the classroom is a great idea. Anything to help make education relevant to my students and to help them take responsibility for their own education is a good idea in my book.

Question 2 – Why is it important for teachers to allow the power dynamics to change between them and their students?

I am a firm believer in the idea that everyone has something to offer in a learning environment. And I believe that I can learn just as much from my students as they can from me. In order to learn from my students, I have to be willing to break down barriers that may exist between us. In order to do this I must build trust with my students, and that may require a shift in power dynamics.