The only purpose I see for online chats in the classroom is if it is supposed to be quiet in the classroom, library, or computer lab, and there is a group project some students on working on. Then they can collaborate their ideas and opinions using online chat. But it might be easier to just talk in person. I guess it can add to student learning because they may use online chats later on in life so they'll already know how to use them. It can also help student learning because peers can easily talk to one another if they have questions on a particular assignment or something.
The benefit to text-based communication is that you do not have to give an immediate response. You have to time to think about what you're going to say before you actually do so. In face-to-face communication, you don't have that time to think about what you're going to say.
I think podcasts can help with student learning because students will be able to hear the lecture again on their own time. We don't remember everything the first time we hear so it's good to hear it again. Podcasts could be beneficial for absent students. Podcasts might be difficult with math.
I think it's great for students to play games that help them learn, but I can't see students playing educational video games when they have the chance to play the games they really want to play like sports games or action games. But I do think video games can possibly help with critical thinking skills, depending on the game. I agree with parts of the article. But I think it'd be difficult to develop video games. I don't have children, but when I do, I wouldn't want them playing video games every day. The American lifestyle has become too sedentary.
I agree with you on many aspects of your view point on the usage of technology and how it affects students in and outside of class. The one thing that I do disagree with you on is letting your child use video games everyday. I was a single parent for about 3 years. I worked 40 hours a week and was a full time student. It sounds bad but my son always had a controller in his hand. Because of that, he is the smartest 5 year old that I know. After he played/learned the game, I would play/teach with him. Dora and Deigo helped me out a lot. Don't be so quick to think that all games are all bad.
ReplyDeleteI concur with Jerrica. Have you SEEN some of the video games these days? They're more lik interactive movies now. However, I really don't see students developing their own games on a computer. However, all things in moderation and all that.
ReplyDeleteOf course, there's also stuff like Dungeons and Dragons. That's another thing entirely :3
I agree with the fact of upgrading technology in the classroom to catch the interest of our young students,but I do disagree with letting your kids play video games every day.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Jordan, if only more video games had the same open ended quality of the pen and paper RPG. I agree with you though, Lacy. Podcasts and text based communication have their bonuses, IE the ability to listen again to something you missed, or read when your listening skills are lacking. At the same time both mediums lack the capacity for the students to ask questions until understanding is reached.
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