Flip the Switch

     This week we have explored the concept of social bookmarking. I reviewed the tool, Inoreader, and found that this would be a useful tool for the classroom and as well as personally. My understanding of the tool is that it is a "Pinterest" of online reading materials. For current events, a subscriber to this site can find articles, not websites or advertisements, on a specific topic. I did not find it helpful for historical topics, but that could mean that I need to further explore the tool. Most of the texts that students read in class can be related to some current event. Using this tool could eliminate the unnecessary browsing through ads, blogs or content that might not be recommended for sources in a formal paper. If an instructor wants students to go directly to articles, this would be the perfect tool. However, it seems most applicable to current events.
   In response to the ban on laptops, I agree and disagree. I love the idea of the "kill switch". There are times that I feel it is a hindrance or a distraction for students to have access to social media, Google and the internet during a discussion or a lecture. As a public school teacher, I am encouraged to lecture as seldom as possible, so discussions would be my greatest issue. I do not want students to "sparknote" the answer to a question during a whole group discussion. I want to know how they think, what their analysis of a work or character is, and what they think will happen next. Being able to just temporarily suspend the internet connection would provide opportunity for these rich discussions with real and honest thought and response. Within minutes, however, I may have them use the web to find analysis of the same thing from others and compare and contrast these perspectives.
   In regards to my disagreement with this article, I do not feel that removal of the laptop is the answer. Removal would limit access for those who may only have the access on the school grounds or through school programs. The laptop should be accessible at all times, but there may be times when internet access should be suspended or limited. For example, I often use Edmodo for projects, discussion boards, etc with my high school students. I would like to be able to "lock " them to just one particular site or place at a time. This will ensure focus on the particular task at hand and limit distractions. For some students, the internet is too tempting. I can relate. Sometimes it is too easy to lose focus and check your bank account or shop or use social media. The multitasking that comes from the web is it not always beneficial. Students do need to understand how to find information in a book as classmate.Dena Fulton points out. The internet and laptops should be a supplementary tool but should be accessible often enough to keep students savvy and familiar with new and upcoming tools