I was pleased to finally read something that discussed the positive impacts of gaming. I already knew that most teenagers game although, I did not. Gaming has really evolved and the civic engagement that it provides is extraordinary. Wii especially has reunited families again with some common interests. Social interaction is crucial in your teen years so instead of discouraging game we need to promote.
I often use Wikipedia and I knew people could alter the writings but, I wasn’t sure about the differences between the two.
A blog, gives us the option of editing only our own writings. Blogs are a great way to express your own individual opinion by commenting or posting. A wiki has more flexibility and allows others to change what one person has written. So more than one person can change or alter the discussion.
I have to admit I’m not really familiar with MUD, MUSH, & MOO. I’m not really sure what those words even mean. I’m sure I could really get into MUDs if I had the time to play because I really enjoy competing and solving puzzles. I checked out mudconnect.com and I was amazed to learn some of those MUDs had been around since 1994! I also visited pennmush so I could get a better understanding but, I don’t believe I could ever learn the programming language to the server. I’m trying to get the MOO to work but for some reason http://www.lambdamoo.info/ won’t connect.
PowerPoint was the only software I used for presentation when I was working on my B.A. All of my professors used PowerPoint for our lectures and they typically had each slide full with information. I never had a professor that added voice to their presentations and I have to admit I found the slides helpful if I missed class. We all need to get a better understanding of the tools that we use for teaching.
When I really think about it I don’t see much difference between the teacher & learner toolbox. They both have access to the same tools but, the teacher has the information. Even though you’re called “teacher” aren’t we all still learners? I think internally students crave knowledge and the teacher should know the tools so they may satisfy. Of course PLE change often and students in different areas have access to different tools. Technology doesn’t always mean students will succeed; sometimes they just need pencil and paper.
Google Apps has many tools that can assist with either your online or classroom based course. Just one application gives you access to email, chats, maps, and documents. Unlike other applications this is free and accessible anywhere. The article discusses how Google Apps allows the instructor freedom to remote with colleagues, edit files, and coordinate homework for students. Of course, you’ll use Google maps, scholar, blogger, email, mobile, calendar and groups. No download is required to use these applications, so you can check it on any computer.
The article also mentions other beneficial tools for education like web conferencing, mobile learning, and 3D printing. Many corporate and educational environments are using these services. I really like idea of using this application in classroom based courses because if the student had a question after class they could just chat with another student or teacher.
http://connect.educause.edu/Library/EDUCAUSE+Review/ImaginingTomorrowsFutureT/45226
Distance education has changed for me significantly over the past two years. When I received my B.A. we only used Blackboard and e-mail. I’m learning Blackboard or TappedIn isn’t essential, unless it can be used properly. My “basic toolbox” would include a gator, blog, e-mail, IM, discussion boards, chats, books, and websites.
The gator I prefer is the reader from Google.com, because it makes scanning through blogs a lot easier for me. A blog wouldn’t necessarily be essential, but it can really help you spread a message. E-mail is the #1 tool needed without it you wouldn’t know where to get started. Discussion boards and chats are similar except chats are in the moment. These tools are essential for DE and excellent ways for mass communication.
This article illustrates what most educators who lack training feel like. I have to disagree with the author and this article is only made up of common misperceptions. I enjoy people and interaction and I’m not trying to separate myself from people by taking online courses. I still have a lot interaction with my peers maybe even more because I can read their blog. Of course it can be a disastrous option for most educators because they haven’t been trained how to teach distance education. The author mentions time management and self-discipline, but aren’t those required regardless of whatever you’re learning? The article also mentions professors not being considerate in situations like a power outage; well I think she needs to give them more credit than that.
All of these issues could also be considered when discussing the cons of a physical class. I have to agree with one point; I also get nervous when taking online classes because I’m afraid that I may miss something. These are her issues and not everyone learns like she does.
“I would just get a list of 16 blackboard discussion prompts, a term paper rubric emailed via MS Word, and be done with it on my own time.” I’m glad our class isn’t like that.
16 questions and a final paper isn’t even close to being an option. THANK GOODNESS!!
I’m tired of posting what I dislike about this class.
You better believe it! DE isn’t for everyone, especially those who aren’t familiar with technology. The classroom doesn’t create a barrier for innovative learning; it actually has the opposite effect.
The “traditional classroom” is the first step in the education process. The social interaction you have with your peers is extremely important for your development. Even though the savings sound good it would defiantly cause more harm than good. I think one cost effect measure could be eliminating Friday as a school day and requiring the students to login on Friday for assignments. In my community the majority of my peers owned computers and used them more for social activities than education.
I can see the pros and cons for both I guess….
