Week 7

I believe that instructors should have access to the best technology that is out. We all know that technology is booming and that students, even at a young age, have fairly easy access to this technology. These items include the newest game systems out, fastest computers available, and the newest versions of the iPod or iPhone. If students are already familiar with this technology before ever stepping into a classroom, the why shouldn't teachers be able to utilize this technology in the classroom to enhance the learning.

In my opinion, I believe that in class chat rooms and instant messages would be much more of a distraction than a help. In class use of this would result in students just chatting with each other about everything else other than what they are supposed to be talking about in class. Using these instant messages would simply distract students during class. However, I think that the use of instant messages and chat rooms for learning are a major help outside of the classroom. For instance, if a student is misses class or just has questions about an assignment they can log into a class chat room and get the homework, or get help with their work.

The biggest benefit of asynchronous communication is that a student can access the information anywhere and at anytime they please. This is helpful because students are so busy now and htis gives them the opportunity to do their work on their own time. On the other hand, face to face learning gives students more of a one on one interaction which can strengthen a students understating of material.

Podcasts are a major benefit to teachers because it allows them to give supplement information that they may not have time for in class. Also, if a teacher has his lecture available via podcasts, students could re listen to lectures when they get home. This is helpful because students often forget information, or simply may have missed something in class.

Yes I agree with the article. Video games can be very useful in teaching students. This is especially true with younger learners. Video games can teach students the alphabet, proper grammer, and things like math. With older students, things such as Dance Dance revolution can be used to get students motivated in physical movement. When I have children I will let them play video games, because most video games offer some type of educational value.