In the 1960's the National Training Laboratories (now the NTL Institute of Alexandria, Virginia) did studies on retention of learning after students were exposed to various teaching methods. They found that students retain 90% of information after 24 hours when they teach others or immediately use the learning. (We use this learning pyramid in our training.) Despite the fact that we've known this information for over 40 years is an indicator of insanity (doing the same old things the same old way expecting different results). The latest edition of Educational Leadership speaks to students taking the reins by helping each other master new software programs, creating engaging alternative assessments, and making the most of collaborative online spaces. In this new environment, lesson planning will shift to designing collaborative projects that tap into cross curriculuar content, abstract concepts, and learning in meaningful ways. Podcasting oral histories, and documentaries will take the place of powerpoint presentations. As students use wikis and blogs they can also incorporate fan fiction into the mix.
All of this requires teachers who know how to make the most of online resources and staying true to the ethos of Web 2.0.
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I agree that if you reinforce a concept by teaching it, not only does it increase the retention rate but it also improves student interaction. The important thing to note is that everything now is different.
ReplyDeleteJust last Monday I got upset at my 17 yr. old son because at 11 in the evening, he was still awake, IM-ing (instant messenging) on the computer (or so I thought) when he was in fact, actually teaching his friend to use “Flash” - some sort of plugin to add animations to their website. So they were doing a history project but using technology and interacting virtually through the net. I thought it was cool! Of course to him, this avenue and mode of learning is his norm; goes to prove that I am still stuck in my old ways.
I so agree that teaching reinforces learning and that's the value of digital learning. However, I wonder how educators see the "ethos of web 2.0?" Are we all on the same page with that? To me it's authentic, real time learning, with an evaluative as well as a creative element embedded at all times. It's the teacher acting as facillitator using the web to deepen knowledge required through one's curriculum. It's the teacher guiding global learning while developing a wariness in students regarding both their personal safety and the validity of the information they're reading and creating. It's engaging, empowering, and constantly generates new ideas. What is it to others?
ReplyDeletejeri - you nailed it when you talked about teachers being required to make use of these digital tools. would we accept a teacher who didn't know how to use a whiteboard or overhead machine? it seems like we need to update expectations on the tools teachers use.
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