Empowering Students with Technology ch. 4-5

Alan November begins chapter 4 discussing the importance of students having access to primary source material. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) can make this possible. According to November  (2010) teaching with primary source material can  help students value the skills of the historian--asking important questions, seeking clues, constructing hypotheses, and presenting to authentic audiences. This process of working with primary source material is similar to a scientific process and inquiry based learning. With this process, students are asking the questions and finding their own answers. As teachers, we need to teach students that the answers are not always as important, as the questions they ask and the process they use to search for answers. By doing this students learn to think critically. Of course, students needs to taught and guided to ask and develop thoughtful questions. Teachers need to provide structure and direction for students to take in information and make meaning to understand it.

Chapter 5 describes the world of online learning. November introduces the idea of professional development for teachers available on their computers. This was especially interesting to me, as November suggests teachers can complete PD on their own schedule and even provide different topics of teachers' interests to help their students in their classrooms.

November says the following traits are needed to be a successful online learner:

• motivation to take the class
• self-discipline and responsibility
• the ability to work independently
• parental support

Are you a possible successful online learner?

November also provides a list of traits that are needed to be a successful online teacher:

• devotes time and energy to teaching online
• is available to students
• is creative and willing to experiment
• breaks down curricula into clearly organized, clearly explained smaller units
• focuses on concepts, no class periods
• integrates curricula

Could you be a successful online teacher?

I think I would be a better online student than an online teacher... I am just beginning steps into the online world. I think I would need more experience exploring the web before I teach from it.