As educators it is our main goal to reach the student and teach them not only state requirements for their grade level, but also life skills. As the use of technology is increasing, especially among the younger generations, it is imperative for us as educators to utilize these technologies in our classrooms. However, we must evaluate the grade level and maturity level of the students we are teaching in order to find out which level and program would be appropriate for our students. Teachers must realize that there has to be a balance. We as educators should not use every technology that students use outside of the classroom so that students are still able to differentiate between the classroom requirements and the entertainment they engage in at home. Students have to be able to showcase a different work ethic and attitude toward learning at school than when they are entertaining themselves.
I think that the chatroom and instant message approach to a classroom setting can only be utilizes with certain levels of students. I think this should be reserved for the secondary level in education because theses students are able to different between using these tools merely for socialization and using them for the enhancement of classroom understanding whereas younger students may only utilize these tools to socialize. Therefore, I would use these techniques at the high school level to incorporate cooperative learning between students. NInety percent of learning occurs in peer interaction. I think that chat rooms will give students an opportunity to share information amongst each other without them feeling embarassed or ashamed and it can be helpful in showing students what they did right or what they did wrong on a level that the student may understand better since it will be feedback from other students.
I think podcasts do enhance learning. I think that different students learn different ways and using podcasts may be a way to reach an audience of students many teachers may not have been able to reach before. Podcast incorporate different techniques that may motivate and enhance learning in some students.
I think videogames can help to enhance study skills because they are interesting for students and are able to hold students attention longer than when students may read a book or define vocabulary for a test. They offer students to learn by allowing them to engage in hands on learning while also allowing them to read, listen, talk and move in the process. According to the article videogames help to build conceptional knowledge and improve content knowledge acqusition. Video games also allow students to experience a sense of control in their learning as they are allowed to pick their own characters and story line. In the end students are able to actively experience the lesson of the day or week. Yes, I agree with the article because I know personally I'm a visual learner and using videogames would help me to learn a subject faster and in more debt. If I had children I would let them play videogames but not all day everyday because children need to learn the balance between reality and the game world and as adults it is our responsibility to teach it to them.