Journal 8: Navigate the Digital Rapids (NETS-T V)

Lindsay, Julie and Vicki Davis (2010). Navigate the Digital Rapids. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5), 12-15. Retrieved April 20^th 2010, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20100304#pg14

The main points of this article can be summarized by the two analogies that the authors used: 1, navigating a classroom through the digital world is like navigating through rapids and 2, Digital citizenship is like driving the more you know the safer you can be. Navigating a classroom full of students through digital citizenship or the rapids includes a few steep learning curves at first but the most important thing for teachers to remember is that they are not alone. Many teachers have come before us and can show us where the knarly rapids may lie and how to steer clear or come out alive.

Educating kids about responsible and safe internet practices is like teaching a person to drive. We do not know the power of a vehicle when we first get behind the wheel and that is why we are required to have driver training. We require this in the hopes of having safer roads  for everyone. The same applies to the internet. The more people who know how to safely navigate and use the internet makes it that much more safe.  

How can teachers guide appropriate internet behavior?

Teachers can help guide appropriate behavior by providing clear guidelines. Teachers should also model this behavior for their students. Providing opportunities for students to interact over the internet in monitored settings can be like training wheels for the students and if problems occur they can be reported and proper action taken. Having class and student blogs that students and the teacher can post comments on provides a way for students to learn online etiquette and appropriate behavior. Other platforms for online communication that can be monitored are wiki's, collaborative google docs, class twitter accounts, and online presentations. 

What does it mean to “flatten” a classroom?

Flattening a classroom simply that classrooms are connected and work in collaboration with each other over the internet through Ning networks, wikis and blogging. This allows for freer exchange of ideas amongst a larger group of peers. Flattening classrooms have the advantage of showing students the interconnectedness of their leaning.