Networked Students

The term "networked student" describes a student who learns in a non-traditional manner. The networked student's learning does not solely depend on the teacher as the knowledge dispenser nor does this student depend upon a textbook as the ultimate source of information. The networked student plays a major role in his or her learning and is able to access many sources of content. The networked student is able to connect and communicate with other students, professors and experts.

Obviously, digital literacy is essential for the networked student as different domains require different ways of thinking and communicating. For instance, while it would be perfectly appropriate for a person to use grammatically incorrect language and misspelled words for instant messaging services, this same manner of communicating is unacceptable for e-mail correspondence. Furthermore, once a person puts something out into the internet, it is there to stay and it is extremely important for teachers to help students understand what is and what is not acceptable.

Also, although students can benefit from the fact that they have access to a huge number of people, this ease of access has a downside as anyone is able to post whatever content they want on the internet. This means that students need to know how to differentiate reliable and unreliable sources of information. Teachers are critical in helping students navigate the vast amount of informational sources on the web.

Since the networked student has greater control over his or her learning, the traditional teacher's role needs to likewise evolve. The teacher needs to be viewed more of as a guide. The teacher helps the student understand how to verify sources, how to effectively communicate, how to use his or resources effectively, and how to extend the student's networking possibilities. Furthermore, the networked student's teacher needs to craft assignments and projects that encourages and motivates the student to research, to learn, and to be creative.

Personally, I find this style of learning to be awesome. In my opinion, the textbook and teacher as knowledge dispenser is an outdated mode of teaching and does not reflect the age we live in. It should come as no surprise that students fail to find the value of studying an ancient civilization via a boring textbook/lecture format when their lives are filled with technology. Students would be much more engaged if they were able to choose an aspect of the lives of a civilization and were to put their findings on a class website or make a podcast. Also, the students would probably appreciate having an expert give a guest lecture or be interviewed via class webcam. Networked learning requires a greater use of available resources which serves to improve overall student learning.

Although new technology and I have not always been the best of friends, I can see myself embracing this model of learning. It is much more fun and engaging for the student which I know is necessary for the student to learn. Also, I like the idea of the student having greater control over his or her learning because that is what I always wanted my schooling to be more like. Additionally, I found this great website that addresses the rapidly expanding amount of information and knowledge being produced today. This site explains this rapid expansion of knowledge and offers ways to helping students learn in an age in which knowledge is constantly being expanded.