Collaboration Tools Hold Big Promise for Education
Share your thoughts on this article in 5 or more sentences using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, then reply to 2 of your classmates. Click on link below for article.
Collaboration Tools...Article
Welcome to 7215X - Technology in Education!
Over the next few weeks, we will explore several educational software and online programs that you can easily integrate into your teaching and learning. We will look at many free Web 2.0 tools that can be used to communicate and collaborate within your building as well as globally. As we prepare our children for a world of work which will be greatly different from the one we currently know, we must also prepare ourselves to change the way we teach so that it reflects best practices, offers differentiated instruction and allows for the seamless integration of technology.
There are some aspects of this article that I definately agree with and other areas I feel torn. Gaming and social networking/media certainly has it's place in the classroom. For example, many times as a reward or if a student finishes a task early, they play video games on the internet that are educational. This is a great incentive for students and gives them a chance to work collaboratively or independenty on a game. According to the article, "There exists much interest around video games as a means of teaching and learning for a variety of reasons, but mainly because games offer students of all ages simulated worlds and designed experiences through which they can move and communicate with one another." Video games are stimulating but I feel that students should be able to feel engaged in a lesson without media stimulation. They have so much of this at home and on their free time that I don't feel it should be the sole way of engaging a student.
ReplyDeleteI am torn because I feel there are or should be other ways of engaging students in the classroom without internet stimulation - either through group projects or fun, hands-on activities. I fully agree that technology should be in the classroom and it helps learning, but I feel it should be encorporated with the lessons and there should be a healthy balance. Some students are visual learners, but others are auditory or kinesthetic, and as a teacher we need to differentiate our lessons.
I like that the article mentions that the FLVS is developing a social media course, that will “teach students the proper ways to use social media". This is extremely imprortant. Students need to understand how to use it appropriately in school and should be the first step for any school who is thinking of doing this.
I also like that the article mentions the access to resources. If schools don't have access to these resources they cant provide their students with these kinds of educational opportunities. Technology is the way of the future and should be integrated in teachers lesson plans, but there is a correct and effective way of doing this. If we keep working on this issue we can help educate both teachers and students on the best way to do this.
When I first started to read this article it talked about incorporating social media into the classroom and I thought this would not be a good idea. Although I think wikis and blogs can be beneficial in the classroom, I do not think all social media tools are good. Some social media sites get teachers and students in trouble via pictures or comments posted about their personal life. Also many people do not speak grammatically correct on some social media sites.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the entire article I learned that Florida Virtual School (FLVS) teaches the correct way to use social media sites to their students. I think this is important because it not only educating children about these sites but also shows them whatever you put on the internet can be seen by anyone, and this is not always a good thing. I also like that FLVS is developing mobile learning, gaming and test-prep apps for their students. Many students today, including young elementary school aged kids, carry around cell phones and I think this is a great idea to add to their generation.
I think electronic games are also a good way to end a lesson. It is a great way to see how students grasp a concept that was just taught. I agree that educational games engage students and spikes creativity. But, I do agree with the article that digital learning can be beneficial depending on how it is used.
I think that our country is embracing new technology like educational games and social media sites in a way that has never been seen before in classrooms.However, teachers need training in using the new technologies that are available like what went on during our class. I think that children are more able to learn when their knowledge is tested in a video game. Video games add fun and the use of interactive technologies.
ReplyDeleteAs far as social media goes, the article states "Students must have the disposition to use social media effectively, and someone should model that proper use so that students have an example." Otherwise, students could post hurtful remarks that could damage one's reputation. Henceforth, social media can spur on more closer relationships between students and teachers and "...what students, teachers and administrators can do to harness the power of social networking to improve educational outcomes..." is of vital importance.
This was an interesting article to read. Who doesn't enjoy a good video game and if video games can be integrated educational, even better. Incorporating video games into a lesson can be lots of fun and rewarding for the students and teachers. It will also benefit the visual learners in the class. As stated in the article “video games can help learners share roles – one student playing a video game could teach his or her peer.” This is another great way to learn from each other.
ReplyDeleteFLVS is doing there best to make sure technology (web conferencing, internet forums, YouTube and mobile apps.) are being used in an appropriate manor. They are developing a course to teach students the proper way to use social media. Students need to be aware of the proper uses and that what it placed on the internet is for everyone to see. More often then not you hear of the “bad things” that happen on social media sites (i.e.: bullying). The students need to learn how to use social media sites to benefit them educational and to harm another individual.
I agree that in order to integrate technology effectively teachers need the proper support and instruction on how to use technology to enhance instruction. As teachers we need to be taught the how to use and integrate technology properly.
There are few things that really I appreciate about this article. I like the fact that it talks about differentiating the use of technology in the classroom and how it can be a big challenge if teachers don’t’ have proper support. Many of us had difficulty learning about some of new websites when we were first introduced to it. Teachers have to consider the learning styles of their students when using technology just as they do when teaching any other subject. Teachers need to know that technology needs to be differentiated. Just as we modify our teaching we need to think about the needs of all students when using technology.
ReplyDeleteThe article also mentions how the Florida Virtual School will have a course that will “teach students the proper ways to use social media". This is very important and I think every school should do that first and go over the guidelines of using social media in the classroom. Another important thing the article touches on is “equity”. There are schools that don’t have enough digital resources like the smart board or even computers. I think teachers need more technology resources and aids to help them use technology with their students. Even if a student doesn’t have access to a computer at home can use it at school if there are enough for everyone to use.
I believe technology can have a positive impact on students if used properly. I have seen how students feel motivated when they go to the computer lab to work on their projects. There are less discipline problems and all of the children are engaged and focused on their work. Teachers also need to know how to incorporate technology in their teaching because some teachers just stick to the basics. Many teachers just use the computer for word processing and for their students to play games on it. There are so many different games online that are not educational, teachers need to know about the games and track the most effective online games for their class. I think schools should provide workshops to help teachers use technology to enhance their teaching and make learning fun for their students.
This article did an excellent job in addressing the tremendous need and positive aspects of the use of technology in the classroom but also acknowleding the possible setback. I agree that implenting the use of games and social networks into the classroom is a great way to boost engagement and participation. However, I also believe this should not be the sole form on student engagement as many schools do not have the means to do so.
ReplyDeleteAs we are all aware, the use of technology in our society has become prevalent and is available to children in more ways than I can explain. My four year old is already familiar with Netflix, how to use game apps on my Iphone and several websites that can help her with her reading. Finding a way to implement games into the curriculum as a supplement would be a great way to enhance a students learning experiences, as it did with the Florida Virtual School. Furthermore, I believe the use of social networking sites as a means of communicating with educators will improve a students desire to be an active part of their learning. I have had several students request me on Facebook. Of course I've denied them access to my personal page, but I can't help but wonder what the benefits would be if I created some sort of page for educational purpose. This article proves that the use of technology can only help our education system.
However, when discussing the use of technology one must also be aware of the possible hindrances. First off, whenever the use of technology is brought into question, I automatically think about all the schools that are not able to keep up with the everchanging systems and/or tools that are out there. If we are working to make collaborative tools a part of our education system, then ALL students should have access and be given an equal opportunity at the best education possible. In addition, the teachers must be a part of the design and implementation of these collaborative tools as mentioned in the article. All too often new policies are passed down to teachers through a "chain of command" that many times appears to be filled with people who currently are not and/or never have been in the education field. Teachers are expected to implement changes with a lack or resources and are often faced with unthinkable amounts of pressure to get things done. No one knows better than teachers what is happening in the classrooms and what the best way to incorporate the use of games and social networking into the curriculums would be. It is imperative that teachers be the driving force behind this initiative.
This article makes me hopeful in knowing that there are people out there that want to enhance our system through the use of technology but are also cognizant of the potential setbacks.
This article did an excellent job in addressing the tremendous need and positive aspects of the use of technology in the classroom but also acknowledging the possible setback. I agree that implementing the use of games and social networks into the classroom is a great way to boost engagement and participation. However, I also believe this should not be the sole form on student engagement as many schools do not have the means to do so.
ReplyDeleteAs we are all aware, the use of technology in our society has become prevalent and is available to children in more ways than I can explain. My four year old is already familiar with Netflix, how to use game apps on my Iphone and several websites that can help her with her reading. Finding a way to implement games into the curriculum as a supplement would be a great way to enhance students learning experiences, as it did with the Florida Virtual School. Furthermore, I believe the use of social networking sites as a means of communicating with educators will improve a student’s desire to be an active part of their learning. I have had several students request me on Facebook. Of course I've denied them access to my personal page, but I can't help but wonder what the benefits would be if I created some sort of page for educational purpose. This article proves that the use of technology can only help our education system.
However, when discussing the use of technology one must also be aware of the possible hindrances. First off, whenever the use of technology is brought into question, I automatically think about all the schools that are not able to keep up with the ever changing systems and/or tools that are out there. If we are working to make collaborative tools a part of our education system, then ALL students should have access and be given an equal opportunity at the best education possible. In addition, the teachers must be a part of the design and implementation of these collaborative tools as mentioned in the article. All too often new policies are passed down to teachers through a "chain of command" that many times appears to be filled with people who currently are not and/or never have been in the education field. Teachers are expected to implement changes with a lack of resources and are often faced with unthinkable amounts of pressure to get things done. No one knows better than teachers what is happening in the classrooms and what the best way to incorporate the use of games and social networking into the curriculums would be. It is imperative that teachers be the driving force behind this initiative.
This article makes me hopeful in knowing that there are people out there that want to enhance our system through the use of technology but are also cognizant of the potential setbacks.
Like I said in my previous responses I think using technology in education should be mandatory at some level. If something is mandatory you have no choice but use it. And I am totally agree that using technology in proper way (not just a reward for being good in the classroom) will engage more students and make them more motivated about learning. But this brings another problem. A lot of teachers, especially who teach for a long time, don’t have enough skills to use new technology. School authorities need to provide workshops and professional development according to teachers’ needs. It is also might be a problem to have up to date technology in every school, but that is a point – technology need to be up to date. I believe that he teachers must do everything that makes students to like learning and like to go school. No doubts that all those educational games, on-line forums and so on will do their job and I hope with time more and more teachers will incorporate that use of technology in their classroom. But the content needs to be chosen very carefully because video games and social networking can be used without educational purpose very easily, but the goal is to find that side of these technology examples that provides education.
ReplyDeleteSocial networking and video games are excellent resources to be used in the classroom. This article does an excellent job explaining the benefits and challenges of implementing them into school curriculums. Their are so many benefits to using social networking and video games in the classroom. Children are able to work with their peers and their teachers to grasp new knowledge and higher level thinking. Many games for math require strategizing, higher level thinking, finding patterns, and goal making. Unfortunately, our curriculums don't always get the same results. Video games combined with curriculum allow children the benefits of both. Social networking offers students a way to communicate with their teachers and each other.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement "Teachers are an integral to efforts to use technology to reach students." Too many times schools want to add programs or technology into the classroom without giving teachers proper training. The school that I have been teaching at signed each class up to a website that provided games linked with the curriculum. Teachers were able to assign games to students based on their level and needs. It sounds great, but unfortunately teachers were never taught how to use the program. The teachers that experimented and played with the program were able to utilize it, but without training it takes hours (or days) to completely figure out the use of programs. On the other hand, many schools don't have the resources obtain this technology in the first place. Computers are essential, yet many schools are completed outdated in the technology department.
In any collaboration plays an important role in enhancing the achievements of the goals of the environment. In this article there is emphasis on the collaborative use of social net working and gaming in the classrooms. I do agree and disagree with this new approach in the teaching and learning of our future leaders (students). It is my opinion that technology shout be seen as a new tool that can be used to enhance the instructions in and out of the classrooms and to be able to communicate more effectively with others. The better the communication process during the instructions, along with the parents and administrators there is a very high possibility that overall achievements can be excellent. In our society today most of the younger generation (Our youths) are indeed more technologically inclined that the average adult due to the fact that technology has been widely used by them on a daily basis. Incorporating this tool into the teaching and learning process can be a great deal to keep some of the young minds more meaningfully engaged and on tasks, but it will also pose several challenges for the administrators, teachers and parents/guardians in the long run if it is not properly monitored to foster academic achievements.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, there will be need for more rather than less from all that are likely to be involved in this revolution according to the article. Realistically, teachers will be required to obtain adequate training and continuous training since the technological world is constantly evolving. This approach will help the older teachers to transition smoothly into using this tool effectively in their planning and instructions as they keep up with the level of their students. School districts will also have to be fully equipped with the necessary technology to effect the necessary instructional integration if they have the financial resources to do so.
Thorough evaluation will have to be conducted to determine the suitability of which social networking medium and games will enhance the teaching and learning process, since I do not fully agree with the use of this tool as the sole means to stimulate students thinking and learning. Policies will have to be written up and agreed upon amongst the school’s administrators, teachers, parents/guardians and students since the tools should be used to enhance the teaching and learning process, and communication channels among everyone involved. I somewhat agree with the statement in the article that stated that, “There’s really a fine balance to strike between safety and access, “Ucell-Kaspypa said, “Districts have a responsibility to prevent access to inappropriate content, so sometimes it’s just easier to prevent and access at all.” That is why sites must be thoroughly evaluated and consequences be handed down in they are not followed as technology can be a terrific tool.
This article has made me think about using social media sites and more games in my lessons to engage students. I've used educational games in the past with students but I have not really tried using social media sites with student as a means of learning. I found it to be quite interesting that teachers at the FLVS are experimenting with different types of technology that can be used in the classroom. I also like that they are creating a course at how social media sites should be used. I think this will be a very resourceful class for students to take so they can learn ways in which social media can be used education and personal usage, and even how it can be abused.
ReplyDeleteThe article also touches on the point that many low income students and high needs schools should also be included in technology advances because often times they are left out. I think this is very important because a lot of the families of low income students do not have access to the many new technologies out there, so school is one of the only places that they are able to access these things. I believe digital learning is something all schools should embrace and get their students and teachers to become more tech savvy.
As I did the previous reading, I can’t say I agree or disagree with this article. While there are many educational games around the internet, most engaging games are inappropriate for the classroom. The raw idea is a good concept- as we continue to incorporate social media in the classroom, why do we stop at blogs and videos? Games are instant attention grabbers; however, despite the positive attention reactions, I’d restrict this use to a minimal in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteWhile /some/ gaming proves useful in certain areas such as a survival game (Oregon Trail) in the early settlements in teaching Social Studies and building an electrical current in Science (Gizmos & Gadgets), many games are not moderated online- either it be bad formatting, inappropriate comments as well as the lack of an educational value.
The three biggest attention game grabbers fall into three categories or three different types of games most players consider fun: Spatial Reasoning, Pattern Recognition and Social. Spatial Reasoning is a game that reasons between items on the screen and how we might interact with said items such as first person shooters, DDR or sport games like tennis on the Wii. Pattern Recognition games are recalling linked events or patterns like Tetris, Bejeweled and most tactical games. Finally Social games are games that require more than one player and are usually played online (Farmville, Runescape etc)
Clearly from above, we do not want either Spatial Reasoning or Social Games in our school as this is the most under moderated game and is more addicting than it is helpful. Social games are directly linked to the public eye, and so a student’s privacy may be compromised. Some games are difficult to play, and more often or not, it requires time for the students to get used to the instructions, the controls and a time understand the victory condition.
Some games can be used in the classroom, and it’s up to the teacher’s discretion as to which games are appropriate for their students. Games are a wonderful way to follow up a lesson, and to enhance what has been taught. “You learn by doing, not by seeing.” and games allow our students to directly interact with the lesson’s objective. However, games should be used in moderation- I fear that the abuse of video games in the classroom may turn our educational environment into an entertainment center.
I agree with author, Laura Devaney, to some extent. It is a great idea to use educational games to enhance their learning. However, it isn't only limited to games on the computer. Games, in general are great tools to use in the classroom. When students work in groups and play games with each other, there's always informal peer conferencing taking place.
ReplyDeleteI especially like the fact the author makes is that children from families of low income need an exposure to technology because they are often not able to participate otherwise.
Where I hold questions is how to use social media in the classroom. I do support using social media in the older grades, because this is a form of media and in turn could be used in social studies. However, how can you safely use social media in younger elementary grades?
The author, Laura Devaney, makes some interesting points in this article. I think games are an excellent tool to use in the classroom. However, it shouldn't be limited to games on the computer. Games in general work wonderfully to enhance learning. Another plus factor for educational games is that there is always peer conferencing taking place.
ReplyDeleteAnother important point the author makes is to expose children from low income families because they aren't exposed otherwise. Exposure in the classroom to all different forms of technology will allow them to be a part of the digital age and give them an opportunity to excel as well.
I agree with using social media in older grades because it is a form of media that this generation will be a part of. It is in turn a part of social studies. However, something that remains unclear to me is how to incorporate social media safely in younger elementary classrooms.
I agree that technology should be mandatory to some extent in the classroom so that teachers have no choice but to use it. It will only help them to keep up with technology and what the children may already know. It will also help them to be more eficient in reaching all students in their learning experience.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I also believe that games should be used at the teacher's discression and based on the students behavior. Sort of a reward system that will also motivate them to do their class work so that they can play the games.
I beleive it will take a team teaching effort among teahers to use social media or technology. This will help the teachers to be on the same page and ideas can be shared on how to integrate the teaching and learning standards with technology including social media. there should also be a balance of hands on activity and the use of technology in the classroom.
This article touched on the topic of gaming and social media websites integration into the classroom. While I believe technology is an essential aspect of education in today's world. I don't know if I am completely sold on the idea of all aspects of learning going technological. The article express the thought that having social media can aid in student social skills, in my eyes it can not. Being social also involves being face to face with individuals and being comfortable to express yourself. I don't trust that you can achieve this being stationed behind a screen.
ReplyDeleteEverything with regard to education should be in moderation, a bit of technology, some handwritten works,collaborative work (+/- technology), intrapersonal work, and some assignments which use students kinesthetically. To add, how can this idea of incorporating social media be fairly distributed when there's so many low income school districts. How can these children go home and work on these ideas brought up in the classroom and reinforce them in the home, when many live in shelters, and are severely poverty stricken. What about their parents, how are they to aid these students with their new social media work? I am not trying to beat down the entire idea, I just don't believe this should be the main idea behind social education.
Collaboration tools “can engage students in new ways,” but some “question their actual effectiveness.” The growth of educational technologies is creating vast opportunities for students, teachers, school administrators and parents to improve the learning environment in the classroom. Teachers can personalize students learning with the use of more than one media contents, and digital games. However, many schools, though having access to the internet, do not have the quality educational technologies needed to determine what technology works best in their education system. Low-income students and students in high-need schools still have difficulty accessing the technological educational devices and tools needed in their classrooms.
ReplyDeleteThe use of educational games in the classroom has the potential to promote higher-order thinking such as teamwork, problem solving and collaboration among its players. They can also be used to spark students’ interest in areas such as science, technology and mathematics. Social networking sites such as Facebook, and ePals can be use to promote schools events, assignments and school projects. The problem with most of these sites is security. Therefore, teachers, school official and parents have to work together to ensure that students are using these sites for the intended purpose. One of the benefits of social networking site, it allow students, even those who are very quiet in the classroom, to be engaged and teachers can use it to extend the school day. Wikis and blogs allow students to work collaboratively and share their work with a limited number or as many people as they wish. Teachers can use Skype to connect students with peers in other parts of the country or other parts of the world.
We see in our own class 7215X, the benefits we can have when we integrate technology. I think it is important to integrate technology, but with limits. Technology should be used as a tool or aid. An entire lesson cannot be taught through computer. Not everyone has access to a computer at home.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with using social media to interact with each other. I think that it would be better to have student get to know and interact with each other in person. I realize that some students are shy and maybe this can be an ice breaker tool, but the end results should be face to face interaction, plus I am not comfortable with students using social media.
This article focuses on how social media, collaborative tools and video games can improve education. As far as the collaborative tools are concerned, I agree that using these tools in the classroom can enhance effective learning. Collaborative tools like Google sites, forms, spreadsheets, Wikis and Blogs are definitely great resources to use in the classroom. They have remarkably great influence on the students learning. It motivates and engages the students and provides broader knowledge.
ReplyDeleteWhile video games foster the reasoning, judgments and logical thinking of the children, it can be also very challenging for the teachers to use in their classroom at the same time. As most of these social networking sites and video games has inappropriate comments, incorrect spellings; which lacks the educational benefits from it. On most networking sites, I observe that nowadays children use a lot of short notations such as lol, gtg, brb. I think it should be considered as a language distortion and should be avoided.
Using video games in the class room can provides the opportunities for the low-income students to explore the technology that they can’t have access at home. This can also allow them to be the participants of the digital race for which their peers are a part of. Moreover, although the video games can be used as Token economy to reward the good behavior of the students, it should be used at minimal level. It should only cover few parts of the lesson plan but should not solely depend on it.
This article discusses many different collaboration tools that could be used in and outside of the classroom for educational purposes. Although technology is a great collaboration tool, I don't think all technology and social media sites are appropriate. In the past, social media has proved to be a disastrous form of communication between children and young adults. Students, as well as teachers, need to be careful with how they communicate online, especially on social media websites. I think it's great to communicate and use different tools for communication with our students, however, I don't agree social media is the best way to go about it.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I believe that games and blogs are an excellent tool that can be used by both students and teachers to communicate and collaborate daily in and outside of the classroom. I found that no matter what the age of the student, games will always be a popular and intriguing form of education. Games offer more creative ways for students to learn about new information. There are thousands of educational gaming apps that could be used with students every day to enhance growth and development. Although technology is a great learning tool, it's important that teaches remember not to base their whole lesson off of a YouTube video. Integration and instruction are important for collaboration as well.
This article points out how collaboration of technological tools in education can possibly help teaching and learning. I agree that some educational games help students in learning, such as math games. I have seen that my Saturday class with third and fourth graders enjoy competing each other on a math game. They understand the math concepts and count by heart by playing educational games. Meanwhile, they understand positive peer pressure in group can "push" them to learn and think critically. Students also build up social relationship with their peer while they challenge and cooperate with each other. On the other hand, I agree with Ucelli-Kashyap, "Technology is not a panacea, but it sure can be a terrific tool." Nothing is good when it's overdone. Some games that are not education related, such as violent games, are harmful to students' health and thinking. After a long period of gaming time, students can possibly have unrealistic imagination and think that they exist in gaming world.
ReplyDeleteIn conclusion, technology can be integrated in classroom for learning purpose, but not for inappropriate use for students.
I am in agreement with the writer of this article that Collaboration tools are very useful technology to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. Video games are very interactive and useful in building teamwork and communication among students. They are great tools to stimulate problem solving but their overuse could eventually cause boredom for some learners.Additionally, I agree with Constance Squire in the article that video games are not always easy to fit into your standard curriculum.
ReplyDeleteThough social media helps to build relationship between teachers and students,the teacher has to ensure postings are carefully monitored as there is the possibility of abuse and harassment.
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ReplyDeleteThe article tries to make a case for many different internet collaboration tools that could be used to promote teaching and learning. However, I'm not convinced! I get that technology has great potential, but social media is too problematic and perhaps too new to have the controls necessary for safe and appropriate use. The article actually corroborates this when it implies that models for proper social media use are not yet fully developed.
But not to throw the baby out with the bath water, no doubt that video collaborating on projects and assignments are invaluable tools for teaching and learning. Gaming too has its place, according to the article, on peer interaction and peer learning. I also agree with the article that the stimulated world and designed experiences of the gaming world is a valuable too that promotes natural human creativity.
ReplyDeleteCollaboration tools
After reading this article, I agree that in most cases technology is a useful tool in educating students, and can be a terrific tool for learning. I can see how incorporating educational digital games can enhance student engagement. However, I do not feel that technology is appropriate for teaching every subject, and it is not appropriate at all times. In my experience, some students are able to use games, web quests, you tube videos, and digital lessons to progress. Unfortunately for others, it serves as a distraction.
In my current school we attempt to integrate technology into our everyday schedule. When students go to our computer lab, they sign into accounts. Then they participate in interactive digital lessons, in both reading and math. Students have the advantage of creating their own avatar, which encourages them throughout the lesson. Students also take assessments online, so that we may monitor the effectiveness of the program, and lessons. When students answer questions correctly, they can accrue points that can unlock games to play. This is very motivating for most of my students. They enjoy playing the short games, and do not see it as “boring learning.” On the other hand, for some of my students, digital learning does not seem to help them reach their goals. I have observed how some students stare at the screen blankly, and just randomly click answers until they get through with the digital mini lesson and questions. Although a computer may have many capabilities, it cannot redirect an unfocused student.
Incorporating technology into our education system can also be burdensome at times. As the article states, schools must have access to high speed Internet, working computers or other digital devices. I have experienced times where the Internet is down or the computer isn’t working properly in the middle of a lesson. In addition using tools such as Facebook, twitter, and you tube, needs a lot of monitoring. It would take a lot of security on the school and teachers part to prevent students from clicking or accessing inappropriate content. Technology such as the use of the Smart board, educational games, and web sites is a beneficial tool, however I do not think we should let technology take over our practice.
This article seems to stress the importance of Collaboration Tools in education.these include blogs, social media, games etc. These tools are have the potential to extend the classroom from beyond the walls of the schools to the homes to include the families.
ReplyDeleteEach device has great potential to take our classroom to the next level.They are engaging and they propelled each child to take responsibility.
The implementation of social networking and educational gaming in classrooms is a great idea. It will enable the linkage of more classrooms thus allowing students to compete amongst others. This implementation with its integration into the curriculum will also foster the development of collaborative techniques, various teaching methods and strategies.
ReplyDeleteStudents who participate in educational games will be able to socialize with peers on a one to one basis or as a group. They will learn various skills such as taking turns, acceptable leadership roles, and teaching fellow peers. They will also develop team spirit.
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ReplyDeleteI am not a big fan of incorporating video games into learning. I think there are some things that should remain outside of the educational experience. There can be other ways or ideas that can be used to enhance student learning. As an educator, I use a lot of games as review for students, but I tend to stray away from video like games. Students focus more on the game part rather than the actual learning.
ReplyDeleteVideo games in the class room are a wonderful idea, I can recall a time when people would say that video games are ruining our youth; now it’s educating them. Through video games students can grasp the material faster because they enjoy it much more than traditional learning and you always learn better when you’re having fun. Programs like leap frog have had great success among toddlers so continuing with K-12 just seems like the right step. Games about science, math, and language arts can all be designed to use critical thinking to advance in the game and give results on how the students are performing. Social media has always been a form of communication but it is not always used properly; being used properly students can interact and help one another and learn the benefits of team work and how leadership can give you a sense of pride. I believe that both of tools will better the education system.
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