Journal #8 "Navigating The Digital Rapids" NETS VI & V

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the digital papids. L&L—Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htm

By Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis


Digital citizenship can expand far from an educators grasp. The digital world is constantly changing, so how does one know what to teach and what is appropriate to teach? Will encouraging students to explore and engage in global collaborative environments soon get a teacher in trouble? These are just two of the questions that were mentioned in the article. The answer is to transform yourself into a professional who can effectively research technology trends, monitor the uses of technology, avoid the fear, and empower student centered learning. Customization is key. When students have the opportunity to customize it changes their learning experience. Standards and customization can coexist. Web 2.0 tools are efficient because they provide a foundation for a personal learning experience. Monitoring and engaging is a must when incorporating technology. It is the teacher’s role to lead by example and make sure the students don’t cross the line. Have a plan of action if a student does cross the line. In 2006 the authors of this article started the Flat Classroom Projects to bring together middle and senior high school students in a global collaborative effort. It is a place to collaborate with other educators.

Two questions that arose while reading this article were:

(This article was very well written in my opinion and it was hard to come up with questions.)

1. When teaching children the wonders of the internet what class time will this take away from?

I’m thinking that whatever subject matter that the teacher is planning on using the internet for, it would come out of that class. Another option is if the school as a whole plans on incorporating intercept use, there can be an assembly of some sort.

2. How will educators stay on top of the up and coming technology?

Even as a social light I can’t even stay on top of technology. I’m not exactly sure how they would stay one step ahead of their students. Any input on this one?