The best described role of a digital educator should be that of the "curator", in regards to the secondary and adult levels. For the elementary level, the role of the educator needs to be a combination of "concierge" and "network administrator". (This level needs more structure and guidance.)
The "curator" role enables the instructor to guide learning based on the assumption that the student has the capacity to be self-motivated to learn. "A curator is an expert learner. Instead of dispensing knowledge, he creates spaces in which knowledge can be created, explored, and connected." (Siemens, 2008, p. 17) Being a digital classroom student, I appreciate having an instructor who allows me to bring my previous knowledge to the course and draw from my current experiences. "A curator balances the freedom of individual learners with the thoughtful interpretation of the subject being explored." (Siemens, 2008, p. 17)
In the elementary level, the students are learning to become self motivated to learn. For this level, I believe that the role of the instructor needs to help the student to gain the maturity necessary to benefit from the "curator" instructor. The "concierge" instructor is known for, "incorporating traditional lectures, and in other instances, permitting learners to explore on their own." (Siemens, 2008, p. 16) The added aspects of the "network administrator", adds to this preparation, "through evaluating,
with the learner, the nature and quality of the learning network [external] and how key concepts are
related and understood [conceptual]). "
In conclusion, I agree with the roles that Siemens has described. However, I also think that the roles need to be more level specific to ensure that the needs of all learners are understood and met.
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
The following links are additional resources for digital learning:
Digital Learning Environments: http://www.guide2digitallearning.com/teaching_learning/back_office_classroom,A story about digital learning success in a High Risk school system:http://www.infotoday.com/MMSchools/SuccessStories/PearsonCherokee.htm,
I wonder if the instructor needs to be a little of all the models Siemens wrote about. What model do you follow? I don't know if elementary students are encouraged to become self-motivated. Many instructors still use directed instruction and do not encourage collaboration or cooperative learning. Students can not become self-motivated if not allow to become active participants in the educational process. As differentiated instuction addresses many learning styles, would you combine the models to make the ideal teacher?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Are you going to add some links? I found it challenging to find blogs that I thought went along with what we were reading about this week.
I agree teachers should use a variety of models when teaching. I believe any model can be used at any level but the content and purpose drives the model of learning. I think we must keep the end in mind. What do you want learners to learn?
ReplyDeleteI got a chance to observe my daughter's 1st grade class doing a cooperative learning project. It was interesting to see how seriously they took their work, and how they wanted everyone on task and working equally. In my 3rd grade daughter's class, I go in and assist with the learning stations. One group works with the teacher, one group works independently on the computers, and the other group works on workbook pages or reads a book. Not really collaborative working but definitely self-directed. For the most part they work. They may do the assignment as quickly as they can, so that they can talk and play, but they do get the work completed. Maturity is a factor, however, I like how they are being guided in this direction.
ReplyDeleteTo me, as teachers we have to develop our own styles. Even in doing so, there is a class "personality" that may change how we instruct. I've noticed that even if I teach the same level for 3 classes, each class is unique and I have to adjust my instruction to meet their needs.
ReplyDeleteJoannebluegroup
ReplyDeleteI agree with all that you said,and would like to share my thought with your how theory impact educational technology. The purpose is to assist students in the learning process. Because we are dealing with a generation of technophiles who spend the majority of the time interfacing with computer technology, I feel the old way of instructing our students is obsolete. Teachers are learning that the digital age is upon us, and unless we integrate technology in all our curricula we will lose of learners. While observing my grandchildren, who are school age, I have noticed that they utilize the internet and computers at least three to four hours a day. One of my granddaughters likes to write as well as writing in a hardcopy journal, she uses Microsoft Word to journal. She is constantly on the computer interfacing with social networking site. Her parent encourages her to use homework sites for homework tutoring such as: Math help, homework help, and online tutoring websites. www.homeschoolmath.net/online/math_help_tutoring.php
Hey All,
ReplyDeleteI am not officially in your group, but I am enjoying reading your discussion and would like to add a thought. It is being discussed that technology is the new way to instruct our students, but what do you think of when you think of your favorite teacher? My most memorable teacher was one who planned good activities and supported learning, but most importantly, she cared and loved me. She did whatever it took to create a safe environment. I think this is one facet of good teaching that will never be obsolete and the most critical.
In today's age, where many children are never spoken to and taught to value education, we must be the ones to step in and provide this motivation. It goes back to the Maslow's hierachy of needs. Kids must have physiologcial, safety/love, and esteem needs met before learning can transpire. I think that pressure to perform is killing education because we expect kids to achieve when they don't have the confidence too.
Educational technology is a way of instructing that best meets the academic needs, but we have got to establish basic needs of surival first.
This is a great discussion!