I enjoyed hearing Clarence speak. He was really a motivating speaking on the use of Web 2.0 technologies with his students. I think that he eloquently stated the case of engaging the world with your students under the guidance of a seasoned professional.
Moving discussions from the classroom to the Internet are inherently risky in a number of ways. The comfort level of the teacher. The “safety” of the students. Amongst others. However, Clarence touched upon the very reasons why it’s worth these risks. Our students (we’re mostly talking about younger students here) need to be exposed to this environment and learn how to safely operate in it. They are not getting this education online and most aren’t getting it at home either. In these circumstances, it has always been the educational institution in charge of doing it. (think health education, home economics, ect.)
A joy to hear. Thanks for joining us.
You can find Clarence Fisher’s blog (Remote Access) at http://remoteaccess.typepad.com/
Clarence’s blog is a great read. More than that, though, I truly enjoy reading his students’ blogs.
I really liked Clarence’s ideas on engaging students with the world; getting connected, engaging in real life conversations. In Toronto, we often take for granted that our students can engage themselves with the world; the learn so much about other cultures just by walking down the street, they have access to information, they meet people from all over the world. You could just say that the whole world is right at their doorstep.
Many of the ESL students I teach, don’t use this opportunity. They stay at home, hang out with friends from the same ethnic group, and come to school for a couple of hours of instruction believing that a good textbook is the miracle solution. Reasons for their shyness are many; we all are familiar with that. Technology in the classroom makes people connected but it also easies their shyness and inhibitions. There is more time to reflect on what somebody has written and there is more time to respond – for ESL/EFL students that’s often really important. One of the reasons I think getting connected in a virtual world has benefits. Many benefits…. that’s just one! 🙂