Journal # 7

Focus Question: 

What are key debates about using computer games and  simulations as learning resources? 

Answer:

This report focuses on the use of games as resources 
to support the educational aims, objectives and planned 
outcomes of teachers who understand that games are an 
important medium in contemporary culture and young 

people’s experiences.


Tech Tools:

The Tech Tool  was about discovering learning using Squeak and Scratch,  which are ways to provide open-ended opportunities for elementary and middle school students to explore and create on the computer.  
Squeak Etoys is an open-source,free,downloadable software that supports inquiry learning and problem solving for mainly math and science.
Scratch is an electronic tool kit that enables students to make their own games, animations and stories, using all technology art. Both programs reverse traditional educational programs and problem solving into digital ways of doing both.

www.squeakland.org 
http://scratch.mit.edu 


Summary : 

High- quality educational software and apps are open-ended and flexible so that the students are challenged to keep exploring the materials. Not so complicated or complex that students become confused. Students also play compute, videos and web-based games regularly for entertainment, but educational uses are increasing. 


photo credit : John Greenler, WEI

VIDEO CREDIT : YOUTUBE

Journal # 6

Focus Question :

What are the advantages and complexities of online learning and virtual schools?  

Answer:

There are many different virtual school instructional and enrollment models. Instructional models range from fully independent self paced (asynchronous) courses to semester based virtual (synchronous) teacher facilitated courses. Class sizes range widely with anywhere from 25 students to as many as 200 students in each class section.

Students keep in contact with teachers and collaborate with other students through web communication tools provided in the course delivery platforms. Students can also communicate by phone, email, and other technology communication practices with instructors. It is up to the student more to engage in the lesson. I think that is one of the complications. Advantage is students can be more flexible on when they get there work done. Not so much pressure.

photo Credit : K.Bullard

Video credit to : youtube

Tech Tool 6.1 -

Pre-selecting websites for students before sending them out into the virtual world is a good idea like they state because it not only narrows the search down for the student but also saves time on pointless searching they will do by having such a big selection. It also helps protect them from not certified sites popping up. If you hand them a list of appropriate sites they will most likely learn the material better because you know the sites have the correct information.

Summary: 

We learned in the reading how technology helps you manage all files digitally and keeps it neat. Bookmarking is an awesome way to have students look up and remember sites for research and also helps you as a teacher save valuable websites for future use more easily. We learned that there are many ups and downs to virtual learning but overall if the student is wanting and willing to learn virtual learning is a advantage more than weakness.