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| Credit: Jeff Peterson CC BY 2.0 |
How do you feel about using web-based resources instead of textbooks in school?
I think using web based resources instead of textbooks is a really good idea, especially in light of the concerns around the textbook “authoring” process outlined in the first article. However I think the author of the second article made great points about replacing the textbook slowly, and the How To: Toss the Textbook tips were even more helpful to think about that process. In GED classes, we have lots of resources, but not one “master” textbook, or one curriculum to follow. I like this because it gives me a lot more freedom to tailor lessons towards individual needs but it is a double-edged sword. I use a lot of web-based resources, but it is very easy to get lost in the ocean that is the internet. I have tried several methods to organize my resources and come up with a plan, but I definitely need more support on that front.
What opportunities for the development of information literacy skills for students if they began to learn without textbooks?
I think there would be a lot more opportunities for students to learn information literacy skills without textbooks. Students would have to learn how to navigate and use the web to find the information they are looking for.
How does these articles change or support your stance on using Wikipedia as a learning resources in the classroom?
I think these articles support my stance that Wikipedia is a great learning resource for the classroom. Wikipedia, for one, is not designed to appease a small group of powerful people making decisions on what information a textbook will include for the majority of school children. Wikipedia is more reflective of the way the world works - information is constantly being debated, discussed, updated, reworded and created in everyday life. It only takes a moment for this new information to become part of the collective knowledge that is Wikipedia. And, secondly, Wikipedia is a great resource for teachers to use to create their own curriculum around.... especially when it comes to teaching kids about information literacy.
Resources:
Ansary, T. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/muddle-machine
Ruth , G. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/teaching-without-text
I agree that you get a lot of freedom to tailor lessons to your students if you don't use the traditional textbook as the guiding resource in your classroom. I find it interesting your comments about how Wikipedia isn't created by one group of "experts" and "authors" on a particular subject that displays the information they want to include within a book. Instead, the Internet offers students a variety of information on a topic. This creates students with an opportunity to use and develop their information literacy skills.
ReplyDeleteIn my health careers classes we have certain guidelines we must follow for our curriculum. Our texts are an intrgal part of that curriculum. Howvever resources such a Wikipedia make it so much easier to keep up to date with the modern technology and still say within the guidelines of our set curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Wikipedia is reflective of the way the world works. Students need to learn to express their educated opinion on issues and Wikipedia does express that process. I agree that Wikipedia is a great resource to support teachers in constructing their lessons.
ReplyDeleteI like that you are recognizing the power of Wikipedia for education lies in it's democratic participatory processes!
ReplyDeleteThis also what scares people. Surprisingly, a big part of schooling is about limited children's access to knowledge.