Essential Question-- How can educators use new media to better reach and teach Alaska’s students?
Nowadays, technology and media are constantly changing and improving. As educators, utilizing this media can help us better reach our students especially when distance is a barrier as it is in much of Alaska. My school district consists of 9 river schools along the Yukon, Koyukuk, and Tanana Rivers. Along with those 9 river schools, we have a state-wide correspondence school with students ranging from Nome to Yakutat. One issue we constantly face is how we can reach all of our students and improve their educational experiences.
Currently we are utilizing a video conferencing system that allows us to connect to any of our schools or offices within seconds. This can be extremely useful because it gives a sense of presence allowing for a more personal approach to distance education. The system has allowed for greater learning opportunities for our students. For example—in a school with one high school teacher (grades 9-12), it is possible that the teacher might not be highly qualified in every subject area. Using the video conferencing system, that teacher can dial in to a classroom with a highly qualified teacher and act as a facilitator. The same goes for itinerant personnel—these staff members can be in more places than once with this system.
Though the video conferencing system has broken many educational barriers, the technology continues to get better and better. Now, many students use FaceTime or Skype to dial long distances from the comfort of their own home. It is amazing to see how far technology has come within the last decade.
Other ways I like to utilize media is through online videos. I like to research fun and entertaining videos that serve as supplemental resources for my teaching. Sites I have found to be especially useful include YouTube, TeacherTube and I must say, I am very impressed with www.teachersdomain.org. Finally, one last media source I like using to aid in learning is Google Docs. With this program, you can share files, photos and edit documents with people in other locations.
All educators should be highly trained with these new technologies. We need to reach the kids where the kids are! I was lucky to go to the Alaska School Counselors Conference this year and we had extensive training in some of these programs. Educators need to know how to properly use the resources in order to teach our children to use them and grow from them.
Examine Question—How are newcomers and outsiders regarded in your community?
Newcomers to Athabascan villages tend to walk a fine line in the beginning of their journey. Locals can sometimes be skeptical of newcomers, especially educators. They often wonder how an “outsider” can come in and teach their children while also instilling in them the values and beliefs of their cultural heritage. Many educators feel the need to prove themselves to the Native people. Though, I think they just need to see that we, as outsiders, are accepting and willing to learn about their land and values. Just like anyone else, the Natives want you to come in with an open mind, free of judgment. 
The Athabascans prefer that you participate in community events such as potlatches, religious services, and village meetings. They understand that the best way to come to know a new place and population is by first-hand participation. Also, when you get out in the community, you get to know what the children face on a day to day basis. You come to know the joys they face growing up in a small village as well as the struggles they face. How can you truly teach someone that you know nothing about? I think the Native people have a right to be skeptical. Their land, traditions, and people are truly sacred. They need to have faith that you will ensure that it stays this way and that their most valuable resource, their children, are in good hands.
Extend Question—What are the population dynamics in your community?
The Yukon-Koyukuk census area, where our 9 villages are located, makes up approximately 1% of the state’s population. Of our 9 villages, the population is about 98% Athabascan Indian. We have 300 kids enrolled in these K-12 schools. Currently, I live in Fairbanks and work for our correspondence school. Fairbanks North Star Borough is 77% white, 4.5% black, 7% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 11.5% other races or mixed races. This number is a little surprising to me. Fairbanks is a big hub for Native people because of its centralized location. I personally thought the number of Native people residing here would be higher. This information is from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/02/02090.html. Evaluation—
I was a little worried about taking my first online class. When I read through all of the emails, I was overwhelmed and thought there was no way I could do this. Once I got set up, I realized it was very organized and well laid out. I enjoyed looking through all of the different resources you provided. I have also enjoyed getting to read responses from other educators. I am looking forward to learning more about Alaska through this class.
No comments:
Post a Comment