Join ISTE, read a journal article from Learning & Leading with Technology, reflect upon the article, and use proper APA citation using Citation Machine
Groff, J., & Haas, J. (2009). Web 2.0 today's technologies, tomorrow's learning. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4107&ContentID=21954&DirectListComboInd=D
Web 2.0 today’s technologies, tomorrow’s learning
According to this piece, many teachers are turning to digital games, social networking, and simulations in order to keep up with the current generation of students’ interests and modes of learning. This new culture of pupils is well acquainted with many virtual world games and therefore, they are often out of their element when entering a classroom. Groff and Haas explain that it isn’t like starting from scratch when trying to develop educationally useful gaming software. Many of the simulations and digital games can be used as models to producing similar looking games that will garner the attention of students of many ages. The games provide students with a virtual hands-on interaction with the material in such a way that a more conceptualized understanding is more likely acquired by the student. Simulations also provide a means of experiencing things that would not normally be able to be conducted in a classroom. In addition, students also are made to work collaboratively because the nature of many of these games requires cooperation in order to be successful at them, increasing the pro-social aspect of education.
What are some difficulties to teaching with these technologies?
Difficulties include, not always having a clear direction and a teacher-directed lesson. This can be unsettling for a teacher trying a game for the first time who not knowing what to expect, and is not sure how to facilitate learning. With practice and keeping in contact with other teachers about issues that might arise will be an invaluable support resource for these activities. Also there are slight possibilities of students not interacting harmoniously such as in a diplomacy simulation. But even those interactions can have teachable moments about how one’s actions affect others.
Why should teachers give this technology a try?
The article says that it all comes down to what students learn from the experience. The outcome is always more than simple rote learning with a deeper understanding and better retention of the material.
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