A Little Survey

First day back of term 2 and it was a great opportunity to go over what we learnt during the Cybersmart Unit in term 1.  I was pleased to know the class had remembered and had taken on board about how to be a safe and responsible digital citizen.  There certainly is power in students doing their own research and taking ownership/responsibility of their learning.  This feedback/discussion led nicely into the following survey.

I introduced the trial survey Digital Citizenship for Schools by Netsafe to the students.  It wasn't supposed to be a long session, but it took a little longer than expected as there were one or two gnarly questions even I had to think or second guess 'what they meant.' Lots of discussion ensued as to what the question(s) were asking.

The best bit:  The last question or rather a little wee comment box that you would normally look at with dread as you know you are being compelled to 'fill in that blank space!'  I suggested to the class that it would be 'polite' to give some feedback about the survey. Something positive and something that might be improved on.  Oh how I underestimated their ability to give feedback in such an articulate manner and with little or no input.  I can only say it was amazing and the quality of the sentence structure was polite and to the point! Go Room 4.

Question(s): Why are my students continually amazing me with their deeper thinking responses to texts with little input from myself?  Is because they have access to information or broader examples at their fingertips rather than being given only what I have found?   This is a huge shift in the balance of teaching or teacher/student learning and one I am going to fully embrace.  This balance is truly an educational paradigm shift!

Is using a digital device, i.e. a chromebrook making it easier and quicker for students to respond to text thus their thought process and physical output are keeping up with each other?? Things to ponder.