Mike Walker, the high school technology integration specialist, read a blog post to the students on using Facebook in educational settings. Mike read the blog post from his laptop as if the computer was a book. The opening to the post from the Mankato school's technology specialist stated that websites, like accused criminals, should be innocent until proven guilty. After reading the blog post, Mike solicited feedback from students on whether or not they felt that Facebook had educational value. Student opinions were mixed with reactions ranging from "with proper teacher direction Facebook could be educational" to "Facebook would be distracting at school." After students wrote their reading minute thesis statements, one student shared hers: "Blocking a website without really knowing it is like judging a book by its cover."
4 comments:
Jackie,
Thanks for the opportunity to read yesterday!
Here is the link to the post I read. I will also be blogging about it here. Can't wait to come back!
Mr. Walker,
I truly did enjoy listening to your insights on facebook in a school environment. My personal views are about the same as most students. At facebook's current stature, the negatives outweigh the potential positives. Being addicted to facebook myself, I know how hard it is to study while on FB. I think that schools should block it on a case by case basis. at EHS I don't think it should be blocked because its the students choice to use their time or not. Although this does present an oppurtunity for the student "fail"
you could say, someone could just as easily daydream in class and miss a whole years worth of content. To be honest, I really don't care if it were to change, what the verdict would be, because as long as I'm getting my school work done in a safe environment, AND learning, its all good :]
Thank you for coming into our class and speaking!
- Jonny L
(p.s forgive me for any typo's, I've been typing for the last 4 hours)
p.p.s
you should have an official poll/vote on this topic, it could be published in Windigo or something. i typically don't read the school newspaper, but I think it would get alot of kids interested in t his topic, along with Windigo.
johhyl,
Thanks for the comments. I didn't express my opionion to the classes, as I was more interested in hearing yours. I tend to believe that in it's current format, FB would be a distraction. While I admire your recognition that students are responsible for their own learning, and if they choose to use their time unwisely and fail, it's on them, I don't think parents here would be very happy!
Keep up the blogging and commenting!
Mr. Walker
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