Weekly Blog 8

Today in class, a portion of class was spent going over how to find practictioner-based articles online. All the fields of study have journals which relate to teaching. I spent some time in class today searching through articles which could be appropriate for the required Technologies in the Classroom assignment. I had always known that many documents could be found through UW Libraries, however, I often feel like many overlook this great resource. Being able to gain a greater familiarization of UW Libraries was a very signifcant thing I learned in class today, and it made me think about libraries in general. When I was in elementary school, if I wanted information for a project or something, I would have to go to my local public library. Now, so many of the resources found at public libraries can also be found online. While high school students might not necessarily have access to the UW Library, there still exist many other online library resources. Students don’t have to only rely on Wikipedia and other sites of this nature. While I happen to see a lot of value in Wikipedia, many teachers don’t see this as a reliable source. Many reliable online journals, E-Books, and other forms of media can be found on the web, so the classroom applications of online library resources are obvious. The main questions I have left over from class surround the future of the web. How will techology in the future change with regards to online library resources? Questions like this cannot be answered, but are fun to discuss and think about.

Weekly Blog 7

Last week’s class again focused a lot on video games. Different groups took turns presenting their games to the class. I found this aspect of class very interesting, as I was able to gain a better understanding of the classroom applications of video games. Some of the games seemed like they either had little educational value or were not that practical for a classroom setting. I was surprised that a game from my childhood, Math Blaster, had advanced to the point where one would almost need a controller to play it. Some games did seem educational though. I feel that Diner Tycoon definitely has some advantages, as one must think critically about math and running a business. I still am not quite sold on the practicality of video games in the class however. I certainly could not see video games playing a major role in the curriculum of any teacher. Perhaps on a day where there is a substitute or not much going on, a teacher could allow their students to play some games, but then other issues arise. For example, most classrooms are not equipped with enough computers for all the kids to play. This could create distractions in the classroom. I feel like the primary benefits to educational video games it that they can be played at home. The question I have is can video games be made to be educational but at the same time have enough appeal that kids will want to regularly play them outside of school. There exist a few games, like Oregon Trail, that seem to offer this but not nearly enough.

Technology in School - In Class - 11/12

The readings this week brought up many interesting points with regards to the use of technology in schools. There most definitely exist some new technologies which can be applied to the classroom. Some of the free grade book and rubric making sites can be helpful to teachers. Free Technology for Teachers also offers many useful links to a variety of technologies which I could see being used in the classroom (I discussed some of the applications in an earlier blog). There are many technologies out there which are cheap, and that can make the learning process easier for both teachers and students. These tend to be however, the less innovative technologies. Things like online documentaries and map making tools make teaching easier, but aren’t necessarily that radical of a thing to include in a classroom. The technologies that really push my thinking about teaching and learning are things like video games and social networking sites, as well as other things that are not typically thought about as classroom appropriate. I’m somewhat torn as to whether I am willing to welcome these new technologies into the classroom. On the one hand, if they can help aid learning, I’m all for it. Part of me however, likes to think the role of the teacher is to inspire and I question whether or not this can be possible if technology takes over the classroom. To be honest, I envision myself as being the type of teacher that stands in front of class and tries to engage the students by combining lecturing and lively discussion. Advancements in technology make me question how future learning might be different from the current style of teaching.

Weekly Blog 6

Much of class today was centered on discussion of video games, and there place in education. Many ideas and viewpoints on the matter were tossed around, and I have to admit I was skeptical about what some of my peers were arguing. As an avid gamer, I found myself believing that video games were in no way educational. I mean I play tons of video games and never thought I got anything out of them other than recreational value. However, in class today we were able to play around with different video games. The game my group played was called Diner Tycoon, and I have to admit, after about an hour of playing I definitely saw some educational value, and because of this I would say the most significant thing I learned in class today was that video games can provide some sort benefit to kids. In this game, the player must build up restaurants to compete with a rival business. Players can determine what is on the menu, what and how many ingredients to buy, as well as how to advertise and when to build new restaurants. I really believe that this game was a great way to introduce kids to business and entrepreneurship. Not only this, but players must think critically about how to act, as their actions will determine their success in the game. It also teaches kids how to manage their money, as players must determine what to buy and when to buy it. Too many bad investments and a player will lose the game. I could definitely seem classroom applications of this game. The only questions I have left surround some of the other games my classmates played. I would be interested to perhaps discuss some of the other games and how they could apply to a classroom setting. Did every group feel that their game had educational value?