Meaningful Online Communications in Education

The online communications are great for the purpose of collaboration with pears around the world and present wonderful opportunities to connect people across the town, state, country and world. But, there are some theories about how these communication tools can sometimes create isolation(s) and disconnection(s). The relationships between students and teachers, just as family relationships, should never be damaged with these kinds of communication tools. In contrary, it should strengthen it by providing an additional way of communication.

Imagine a Thanksgiving dinner where no one talks because everyone is chatting online or texting on the phone. Not a nice picture, is it? Now, imagine a US soldier in Iraq who is not able to be with his/her family for Thanksgiving. He or she can log on Skype and video-conference with his family members and spend the Thanksgiving with them that way. This situation is just an example of how online communications can be beneficial. It is placing that missing piece of puzzle in the holiday picture - a member who is physicaly not able to be with them.

With that in mind, we need to establish a meaningful and purposeful online communication in education also.

Summer II - MAPping Activities

I am sure that your perception of searching the web has changed after MAPping activities this week. Post your comments here.