The articles that I chose to review were “Synchronous and Asynchronous Text-Based CMC in Educations Context: A Review of Recent Research” by Geneieve Marie Johnson, , “Distance Education Trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student interaction and collaboration” by Yoany Belarrain and “The Motivations of Adolescents Who are Addicted to Online Games: Cognitive Perspective. The three journals were chosen by me, because they are all issues that I am seeing in my schools on a daily basis. Teachers are struggling with ways to reach their students in their classroom. Today’s students have grown up in the technological era. The traditional ways students are being taught are not reaching how students are learning today; even with the basic use of technology that are being utilized are not sparking an interest in their daily lessons. The three articles mentioned above provide more in-depth techniques to reach our technology generation.
There are two types of instructional technology that can be used in the classroom Asynchronous and synchronous. Asynchronous instruction is a delayed response instructional technology tool. Asynchronous technology does not require immediate teacher/student response. Asynchronous technology instruction was one of the first forms of computerized instruction programs conceived.
The benefits of utilizing synchronized technology is that is allows for in-depth , thoughtful discussions. This type of communication allows individuals to spend less time at the computer, they can respond and go. There are limitations to this type of instruction. Using asynchronous instruction does not allow for immediate feedback, students make take a longer time to check their computers for feedback from their instructors or other students; the final limitation that this type of instructional technology provides is time for a good discussion to develop. Dede and Kramer (1999) concluded that asynchronous provided “richer, more inclusive types of interchange.”
Synchronous instruction occurs more immediately and requires more teacher/student interactions. Synchronous technology instruction was modeled after the “closed circuit” “video conferencing” “interactive” television era. “Synchronous communication and collaboration tools, such as synchronous text chat, audio-conferencing, and white boards, are increasingly important components of online learning” (National Center for Accessible Media, 2005).
One of the major benefits of synchronized technology instruction is allows for “virtual office hours”, team decision making”, and dealing with “technical issues”. There are limitations with this type instructional technology would be the ability to gather all parties online at the same time, difficulty in moderating a number of student conversations, at the same time, and ones lack of typing speed.
To get the most out of asynchronous and synchronous technology instruction is the ability for combine both technologies. How both instructional tools can be combined is by use of email, use of chat rooms and use of chat and email. Both type of instructional technology can reach many style of student learning.
Distance learning will play a key role in our children’s future. As their time gets busier and education cost go through the roof, we are going to find ourselves in a digital classroom as teachers and administrators. The article by Yoany Belarrain discusses the trends that distance learning will have on out children and students.
With the popularity on the rise with distance learning, online education had forced educators to change the way they instruct their students through distance learning. “As new technologies emerge, instructional designers and educators have unique opportunities to foster interaction and collaboration among learners, thus creating a true learning community. The existence of distance learning relies on the creation true learning communities” (Pallof and Pratt, 1999).
There has always been some degree of concern in the distance learning arena when it comes to how much interactivity is going on with the students. With the new emerging technologies they will provide the opportunities for more advanced instructor-student collaboration. The new technologies will also help to improve the real-time versus delayed activity.
Blogs, whitboards, email and podcasting have all played a key role in getting to enhance their reading and writing skills; they have also played a key role in getting students to be active participants in their education. Blogs, podcasting, whiteboard and email have also allowed students to use their creativity skills on a more frequent basis.
The main problem the researchers see with all of the use of technology is that is always changing and the concern in the digital word is “how will we keep up with all of the ever changing technology products?” With all of the products being up-dated it also becomes a cost issue. Companies also get worried about the bottom line and how will they afford to keep up with all of the technological changes. The other concern with online course work is the cultural differences and learning tendencies. Educators believe that another problem with on;ine courses will be the lack of modeling educational expectations. Using asynchronous distance education could have limitations on educational modeling.
According to Chickering and Ehrmann (1996) when educators and school districts are considering to implement distance learning programs they need to keep in mind these seven goals:
1. Encourage contact between student and faculty.
2. Develop reciprocity.
3. Use active learning techniques.
4. Give prompt feedback.
5. Emphasize time on task.
6. Communicate high expectations.
7. Respect diverse talent and ways of learning.
It is also important to keep in mind; along with the seven goals that when you are implementing an online course for your class or school district, you must make sure that everyone is aware of the purpose of the course and how the course will benefit them.
The final article that I chose to review was “ The Motivations of Adolescents Who are addicted to Online Games: A Cognitive Perspective” by Chin-Sheng Wan and Wen-and Wen-Bin Chiou. The article discusses how Taiwanese students are addicted to online games can be a positive thing due to the fact that research shows that it can bring out different motivators in addicted student than non addicted students.
With the increase of popularity of the internet, students have found a new place to play their video games and in Taiwan online video games have become addictions. The majority of the Taiwanese students researched were addicted to role playing games; such as second life. The Taiwanese researchers found that the students who participated in the role-playing activities were developing better social skills than that of their peers who did not participate in on-line gaming.
There were three models that the researchers used to study the on-line gamers. The disease model, the adaptive model, and the way of life model were part of the study. The main focus of these models was to observe the adaptation or behavioral style of the on-line gamers. The researchers went a step further to study on-line behaviors from a cognitive approach. The cognitive theory focuses more on what motivates individuals either intrinsically or extrinsically. Intrinsic motivation is “ what motivates individuals inside” we do certain activities because we like to do it, extrinsic are motivators from the outside; we do things based on punishments and rewards.
Research has shown that to gamers on-line gaming posses many extrinsic motivators such as praise, money and gifts. The use of extrinsic motivators does supersede intrinsic motivation. There are four areas that will determine if the extrinsic motivator will supersede an intrinsic motivator; expectancy, relevance, tangibility, and contingency; which mean the person will only engage in the activity for the benefit of “what is in it for me?”
In America there has been a lot of discussion about using “on-line gaming” in the classroom. The article by Chin-Sheng Wan and Wan-Bin Chiou provide the evidence that on-line gaming can be a benefit to our students if were are looking to motivate them and also to figure out what our students are motivated by.
As I stated in the opening paragraph, the three articles that I choose to write a review on, were based from what I have observed in my school; when it came to the use of technology. Technology will continue to play an important role on how we are educating our students.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Howard Gardner’s study of multiple intelligences has played a key role in education for decades. Gardner believes that there is more than one way to get students to learn in the classroom. In order for students to be productive and reach their high point in their academics, Gardner believes that teachers must identify how a student learns through the use of his multiple intelligence theory.
In 1983 Howard Garner developed his theory of multiple intelligences. Dr. Gardner was a Professor at Harvard University, he believed that students IQ’s could be assessed more than just the traditional way of testing a students IQ. Howard Gardner felt that there was more than one way to associate how students can learn. Gardner believed that students could learn through linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, body-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, natural intelligence.
Gardner believes that if a student is “word smart” then they will use their linguistic intelligence, if a student is good with numbers, they will display their logical-mathematical intelligence, if students can remember key terms by using pictures, than they will utilize their spatial intelligence. Students who are good at health and science are known to use their bodily-kinesthetic intelligence; students who enjoy music and are musically talented rely on their music intelligence. Students, who possess strong people skills, rely on their interpersonal intelligences; students who are self-smart are known to use their Intrapersonal intelligence. Students who like to learn from nature are utilizing their naturalist intelligence.
Students today are no longer motivated by the teacher directed instruction. Today, students have grown up as the “technological babies”; which means that most of the students that are taught in today’s classroom have grown up using some type of technology device. Students today are unfamiliar with the terms of “ditto machine”, “boom box”, and “typewriter”. The technology babies have grown up with terms such as “email”, “ipod”, “Twitter” and “blogging”.
The increase of technology and the emphasis being placed on teachers teacher’s to differentiate their instruction, Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory comes alive through the increased use of technology. Teachers across the county are implementing Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory through the use of technology. Due to the different styles of learning that there is in the classrooms, teacher and instructors have had to rely on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory to get their students to achieve in the classroom.
Teachers and instructors need to spend more time identifying what motivates their students to learn. Teachers and instructors can do an interest survey that will assist in identifying which multiple intelligence theory they use to motivate them to learn, once that is identified, the teacher/instructor can make an education plan based on the multiple intelligence theory that was identified.
In 1983 Howard Garner developed his theory of multiple intelligences. Dr. Gardner was a Professor at Harvard University, he believed that students IQ’s could be assessed more than just the traditional way of testing a students IQ. Howard Gardner felt that there was more than one way to associate how students can learn. Gardner believed that students could learn through linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, body-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, natural intelligence.
Gardner believes that if a student is “word smart” then they will use their linguistic intelligence, if a student is good with numbers, they will display their logical-mathematical intelligence, if students can remember key terms by using pictures, than they will utilize their spatial intelligence. Students who are good at health and science are known to use their bodily-kinesthetic intelligence; students who enjoy music and are musically talented rely on their music intelligence. Students, who possess strong people skills, rely on their interpersonal intelligences; students who are self-smart are known to use their Intrapersonal intelligence. Students who like to learn from nature are utilizing their naturalist intelligence.
Students today are no longer motivated by the teacher directed instruction. Today, students have grown up as the “technological babies”; which means that most of the students that are taught in today’s classroom have grown up using some type of technology device. Students today are unfamiliar with the terms of “ditto machine”, “boom box”, and “typewriter”. The technology babies have grown up with terms such as “email”, “ipod”, “Twitter” and “blogging”.
The increase of technology and the emphasis being placed on teachers teacher’s to differentiate their instruction, Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory comes alive through the increased use of technology. Teachers across the county are implementing Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory through the use of technology. Due to the different styles of learning that there is in the classrooms, teacher and instructors have had to rely on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory to get their students to achieve in the classroom.
Teachers and instructors need to spend more time identifying what motivates their students to learn. Teachers and instructors can do an interest survey that will assist in identifying which multiple intelligence theory they use to motivate them to learn, once that is identified, the teacher/instructor can make an education plan based on the multiple intelligence theory that was identified.
Blog #7
Howard Gardner’s study of multiple intelligences has played a key role in education for decades. Gardner believes that there is more than one way to get students to learn in the classroom. In order for students to be productive and reach their high point in their academics, Gardner believes that teachers must identify how a student learns through the use of his multiple intelligence theory.
In 1983 Howard Garner developed his theory of multiple intelligences. Dr. Gardner was a Professor at Harvard University, he believed that students IQ’s could be assessed more than just the traditional way of testing a students IQ. Howard Gardner felt that there was more than one way to associate how students can learn. Gardner believed that students could learn through linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, body-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, natural intelligence.
Gardner believes that if a student is “word smart” then they will use their linguistic intelligence, if a student is good with numbers, they will display their logical-mathematical intelligence, if students can remember key terms by using pictures, than they will utilize their spatial intelligence. Students who are good at health and science are known to use their bodily-kinesthetic intelligence; students who enjoy music and are musically talented rely on their music intelligence. Students, who possess strong people skills, rely on their interpersonal intelligences; students who are self-smart are known to use their Intrapersonal intelligence. Students who like to learn from nature are utilizing their naturalist intelligence.
Students today are no longer motivated by the teacher directed instruction. Today, students have grown up as the “technological babies”; which means that most of the students that are taught in today’s classroom have grown up using some type of technology device. Students today are unfamiliar with the terms of “ditto machine”, “boom box”, and “typewriter”. The technology babies have grown up with terms such as “email”, “ipod”, “Twitter” and “blogging”.
With the increase of technology and the emphasis being placed on teachers teacher’s to differentiate their instruction, Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory comes alive through the increased use of technology. Teachers across the county are implementing Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory through the use of technology. Due to the different styles of learning that there is in the classrooms, teacher and instructors have had to rely on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory to get their students to achieve in the classroom.
Teachers and instructors need to spend more time identifying what motivates their students to learn. Teachers and instructors can do an interest survey that will assist in identifying which multiple intelligence theory they use to motivate them to learn, once that is identified, the teacher/instructor can make an education plan based on the multiple intelligence theory that was identified.
In 1983 Howard Garner developed his theory of multiple intelligences. Dr. Gardner was a Professor at Harvard University, he believed that students IQ’s could be assessed more than just the traditional way of testing a students IQ. Howard Gardner felt that there was more than one way to associate how students can learn. Gardner believed that students could learn through linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, body-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, natural intelligence.
Gardner believes that if a student is “word smart” then they will use their linguistic intelligence, if a student is good with numbers, they will display their logical-mathematical intelligence, if students can remember key terms by using pictures, than they will utilize their spatial intelligence. Students who are good at health and science are known to use their bodily-kinesthetic intelligence; students who enjoy music and are musically talented rely on their music intelligence. Students, who possess strong people skills, rely on their interpersonal intelligences; students who are self-smart are known to use their Intrapersonal intelligence. Students who like to learn from nature are utilizing their naturalist intelligence.
Students today are no longer motivated by the teacher directed instruction. Today, students have grown up as the “technological babies”; which means that most of the students that are taught in today’s classroom have grown up using some type of technology device. Students today are unfamiliar with the terms of “ditto machine”, “boom box”, and “typewriter”. The technology babies have grown up with terms such as “email”, “ipod”, “Twitter” and “blogging”.
With the increase of technology and the emphasis being placed on teachers teacher’s to differentiate their instruction, Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory comes alive through the increased use of technology. Teachers across the county are implementing Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory through the use of technology. Due to the different styles of learning that there is in the classrooms, teacher and instructors have had to rely on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory to get their students to achieve in the classroom.
Teachers and instructors need to spend more time identifying what motivates their students to learn. Teachers and instructors can do an interest survey that will assist in identifying which multiple intelligence theory they use to motivate them to learn, once that is identified, the teacher/instructor can make an education plan based on the multiple intelligence theory that was identified.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Blog #6
I am a college professor and I look around at my class, I see a variety of different people. My current students are made up of traditional and non-traditional students that have ages from 17 to 78. The challenge for me in teaching this will be to find out the skills in the area of technology that this class requires. Technology is always changing and for some of my non-traditional students this class might be more of a challenge, due to their lack of technical skills.
Watching the "shift happens" and the "vision of students today" videos, both of the videos illustrated what lies ahead for our future. In the "shift happens" video" it points out that we are preparing students for problems with technology that have not happened yet. The video also mentioned that the software developed today will be obsolete tomorrow. Students in the "Vision of Today" video showed various signs that displayed their feeling on technology. Some students showed that they do all communication through some type of electronic devise, others explained that they use technology to listen to music. Videos showed that technology is playing a vital role in how we do things in today's life.
One of the challenges that I foresee as a instructor is our ability to promote the use of technology for all of our students that will fit their learning styles. In the article Students Who Are Already at Risk, Letgers and McDill State (1994):
"Maintaining access to technology throughout the student's school career, integrating
technology so that it is available for all kinds of learning, and deploying uses of technology
that move away from traditional teaching and learning methods are necessary components
of a successful technology strategy for educating students at risk." (p.11)
Not all school districts have the capability of having top notch technology educational programs it is my worry that students will not have the background needed to be successful when it comes to the technology requirements in higher education. The article Equitable Access and Use, The article discusses the importance of all student needing and having access to school computers to build their technological skills. In today's economy and the downfall of the educational finances, not all students will have the opportunity to receive the training or knowledge in the area of technology. Those students who come from financially strapped school districts will be behind the learning curve when it comes to using technology in college.
Another concern that I have as a college instructor is the creativity and academic honesty. There is so much information out there in cyber space. The challenge will be to encourage students to utilize their own creativity and use academic honesty. I feel that part of my job as an instructor is to make sure that my student understand the copy right laws and how to correctly site others work.
Every year that goes by, technology is changing. I am a firm believer that high school students need to take at least three years of classes in technology. In order for all students to keep up with the technological requirement in higher education, they need preparation during their high school years.
Watching the "shift happens" and the "vision of students today" videos, both of the videos illustrated what lies ahead for our future. In the "shift happens" video" it points out that we are preparing students for problems with technology that have not happened yet. The video also mentioned that the software developed today will be obsolete tomorrow. Students in the "Vision of Today" video showed various signs that displayed their feeling on technology. Some students showed that they do all communication through some type of electronic devise, others explained that they use technology to listen to music. Videos showed that technology is playing a vital role in how we do things in today's life.
One of the challenges that I foresee as a instructor is our ability to promote the use of technology for all of our students that will fit their learning styles. In the article Students Who Are Already at Risk, Letgers and McDill State (1994):
"Maintaining access to technology throughout the student's school career, integrating
technology so that it is available for all kinds of learning, and deploying uses of technology
that move away from traditional teaching and learning methods are necessary components
of a successful technology strategy for educating students at risk." (p.11)
Not all school districts have the capability of having top notch technology educational programs it is my worry that students will not have the background needed to be successful when it comes to the technology requirements in higher education. The article Equitable Access and Use, The article discusses the importance of all student needing and having access to school computers to build their technological skills. In today's economy and the downfall of the educational finances, not all students will have the opportunity to receive the training or knowledge in the area of technology. Those students who come from financially strapped school districts will be behind the learning curve when it comes to using technology in college.
Another concern that I have as a college instructor is the creativity and academic honesty. There is so much information out there in cyber space. The challenge will be to encourage students to utilize their own creativity and use academic honesty. I feel that part of my job as an instructor is to make sure that my student understand the copy right laws and how to correctly site others work.
Every year that goes by, technology is changing. I am a firm believer that high school students need to take at least three years of classes in technology. In order for all students to keep up with the technological requirement in higher education, they need preparation during their high school years.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Second Life
This was a very interesting activity to participate in. The second life activity was useful to in introducing to me how this activity could be a useful educational tool. This application would appeal to my students who live in the virtual world and who have active imaginations. I have a thirteen-year-old son and when I had him use this application, he really had gotten involved. He even had the opportunity to chat with another student from Indonesia.
Second life is another social networking that would appeal to people, because they can use their creativity skills and second life activity would be good for individuals who are shy or have trouble expressing themselves. Using the second life activity can also be a benefit to improving students reading and writing skills. There are two main problems that I had experienced when participating in the second life activity, one is getting to know the applications and making sure that your microphone works. Before you assign this to student, you really need to become familiar with the virtual locations. It took me a while to get around. I could see students getting frustrated if they do not have time to familiarize themselves with the second life application. The second life activity also can get students off topic, there is so many applications that can lose your attention.
I liked going into the dance club, sitting in the library pulling books and driving the car. I also enjoyed having the group virtual meeting, I think that would help people increase their communication skills. I enjoyed these applications because they made think and forced me to utilize my and technical creativity skills. I did not think that there were many things that were a waste of time, because I was able to pick the activities that were of interest to me.
I would consider using a second life in my curriculum. I would have to get more familiar with the application myself before I showed my other teachers how to use it. I think it would be very beneficial educational tool in the classroom, if it is monitored closely with guided directions.
Second life is another social networking that would appeal to people, because they can use their creativity skills and second life activity would be good for individuals who are shy or have trouble expressing themselves. Using the second life activity can also be a benefit to improving students reading and writing skills. There are two main problems that I had experienced when participating in the second life activity, one is getting to know the applications and making sure that your microphone works. Before you assign this to student, you really need to become familiar with the virtual locations. It took me a while to get around. I could see students getting frustrated if they do not have time to familiarize themselves with the second life application. The second life activity also can get students off topic, there is so many applications that can lose your attention.
I liked going into the dance club, sitting in the library pulling books and driving the car. I also enjoyed having the group virtual meeting, I think that would help people increase their communication skills. I enjoyed these applications because they made think and forced me to utilize my and technical creativity skills. I did not think that there were many things that were a waste of time, because I was able to pick the activities that were of interest to me.
I would consider using a second life in my curriculum. I would have to get more familiar with the application myself before I showed my other teachers how to use it. I think it would be very beneficial educational tool in the classroom, if it is monitored closely with guided directions.
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