Team 6 discussion
From Instructional Technology Wiki
Paper 2 Comments by Ryan Crater
Far as technology and education the sky is the limit and it going to be interesting to see what plays out in our classrooms. This is a exciting time for me as a technology facilitator. But some people are spekitcal about new technology and this will be a major hurdle to overcome in the future.
Start Paper Two Comments Here
paper 2 Team 6 Comments by Randy Colbert
I guess the future is now? This is the most thorough paper. Whoever did the writing, you did great! One of the problems I see with the future mentioned here and some of the other papers is; what happens to our really low level students? I worked for 14 years in Exceptional Children with often times the lowest of the low. The problem as I perceive it; some of those students may never develop the skills to use the technology. In the future will we provide an alternative for those students?
Comments by Kim Poole
Gaming has changes so much and becomes increasingly more interactive. Military and large businesses refer to it as simulation, I guess to avoid the stigmatism of 'play'. There are so many benefits to gain by using and following the trajectory of gaming. From the future paper, all of the perspectives were interesting. Thinking of nanotechnology, it really has become anything that can be imagined can be done. Watching movies and games takes on a whole new meaning. I remember after 9/11 news reports of politicians talking to movie execs to develop possible scenarios to ward off future attack. In that case, we had to get ahead and stay there. That is where I think education struggles. How do we get ahead of the curve? Then, when strides are made like in the charter schools in Pennsylvania and then it is challenged through litigation.
Comments by Evan Herreid on Futures Paper
It almost sounds as if in just a few years we will be facing the world of the movies "The Terminator, or Minority Report, or even I-Robot. It is almost a scary thought that a computer soon will be able to do so much that our way of life will change so drastically because of it. How will it change, maybe we will be able to concetrate more on gaining knowledge instead of struggling to attain it. Maybe we will be able to have a computer in every single household in the US so that anyone can get instruction whether they can come to a physical school or not. Virtual High Schools is a start and hopefully it will not be the end. It may en dthe over crowding of the public schools if more and more students used the virtual high schools to their fullest capabilities. Now I hope that will not ruffle any feathers but that would then allow the rest of the students more individualized instruction and maybe help them to grow and mature faster as learners.
Comments by Rhonda Griffith
Team 6 offers educators a positive outlook on the future of education. For those of us who are new to the field of education, we still have the passion of why we entered the field but are capable of losing it fast being surrounded by so many negative views. Veteran teachers are rich in resources, experience, and unfortunately negativity. They have seen many changing of the guards, policies made only to be broken and remade the next year, and hopes dashed by one decree handed down by this board or that administration. It is easy to forget, "Why did I truly become a teacher?" Well, we know it's not for the salary nor for the summer off!
Some of us want to believe changes can be made if we just keep believing in the future. I don't know how many times in the past 4 years I've already told myself, "I'm only here for my kids and nothing else!" For almost everything else in my life, I have a pessimistic view, ask anyone, but for the education of my students, I am positive. I want to help make change possible for them.
Technology is going to continue to move and shake our world. It's going to amaze and astound us. As teachers, there will be many of us who will want to embrace and learn with our students. Sadly enough, many will want things to stay the same and not change at all. Those people will be left behind completely, for students will move ahead regardless. I pray I will be an embracer.
Way to go Team 6! Thanks for giving us a hope for the future.
Comments by Kelly Roper-Massey
I enjoyed reading this paper and can't help but reflect again on my current experiences here in Vancouver. While listening to many lectures at this worldwide technology conference, many of the things this team touched on has surfaced as major topics of lectures and conversations. One of the lectures I attended on Tuesday was one entitled, "Let's Get Real: A University Without Walls and Authentic Learning". The presenter was from Australia and talked about immersive simulations geared toward things like engineering hazards, holodecks and Second Life. He gave us a statistic that was shocking---approximately 3000 educators have a presence in Second Life. The presenter also showed how he conducted a class using live web broadcast and two-way interactive video conferencing. He talked about how everything is so authentic in this learning environment. But the major drawback was the cost. I priced some of the equipment and just the eyewear called MyVu which is award winning video eyewear for virtual big screen viewing was $300 per set. I hope that future technology does not create a divide between the Have's/Have Not Schools. That will be real sad for those children who do not get the same opportunities.
Comments By Grayson Beane
This paper offers the most positive view of education in the future and one I hope comes to fruition. The future could be this place where the teacher can create and use technology to explore the boundaries of knowledge. We don't do enough of this now so the future could be wonderful. I was encouraged to see that you believe the teacher will still have a vital role in education. Boy, I hope you guys are right and the tests are replaced by authentic assessments. I'm also interested in online teaching ,but from my experiences this year I know that it takes a tremendous amount of work.
Comments by Sara Rhyne
I think it will be a challenge to find teachers who are able to maintain the human/social touch that will be required to maintain a successful classroom in this type of environment. And spaces where the education can be global and yet still maintain get outside you own screen space to sit with classmates every once in a while. I really like the teach push to learner pull idea. That is the first time I have heard that. It certainly summarized what I would like to see from education. Amazingly enough my husband and I just discussed the fact that I would really like a wall mounted monitor that I could ask all of Google questions to and it read be back a synthesis of the answers. 2020 sounds like a long time away to wait for that technology. I hope it is available sooner.
Comments by Becky Chappell
This paper really conveys a positive future with the use of technology. I find comfort in the information, but the Power Point was unsettling because it makes it clear to me that the United States is falling behind; not just in numbers but also in the number of great minds. Our country has been a great country, yet the future brings much concern for me. How will my children survive in the world if we don't compete with the other nations that are becoming the manufacturers and the centers of technology usage? Will China and India take the reins because they are not reluctant to grasp the new technology to make their country less third world?
Comments by Terri Ferguson
I really enjoyed reading this paper; I, too, felt a very positive vibe from the paper. I like the outlook you have provided on the future of education, and I must say "I'm ready." The stats you offered in the writing very also very informative. I know a lot of people who are would be very upset about language being less relevant, though. This makes me think about a book we read in another class about the loss of the humanities. I can't seem to remember the name though.
Comments by Josh Carver
I too took away a positive feeling from this paper. Glad to end my reading with this one. To just add a little bit to what Becky is saying, the US is falling behind in manufacturing jobs and outsourcing of technology related jobs is a big problem. I still think we have great minds in this country for design but for manufacturing the actual products we cannot compete with China and India. The problem with China and India is, they can make all of these goods at such low prices because they have no labor standards or environmental laws (not compared to the US). In a sense they are sacrificing their environment, health, and people so we can buy a TV at wal-mart for $199.99.
comments by Dean St. Louis
I also agree. It was nice to see more positives for technology in the future, lets just hope that it plays out that way. I also agree with Josh that we do have great minds in this country, they just have more hoops to jump through. Technology is changing so fast that by the time you can get your ideas or products moving in this country someone else has already done it and for less money. Things seem as if they can get done quicker in other countries which allows them to keep up with the ever changing world of technology.
Comments by Marianne Lore
I liked your team's idea of the future of education including interactions. Sharing between peers and teachers is important for both to learn! Technology seems to make individualized instruction more manageable and interesting for students. Authentic assessment in science is a must, these recent Science EOG tests are testing vocabulary, but should be testing research and sharing. I believe this is more difficult to assess. Virtual World for elementary aged students is exciting, my fifth graders are so ready for this type of learning.--Mlore 01:28, 26 June 2007 (EDT)
Comments by Carolyn Query
Oh thank you for bringing us back to looking at a positive future of technology. I was particularly caught up on the authentic assessment. What a great path to lead our students down. And authentic assessment will require the physical presence of a teacher!
Comments by Sheila Richardson
Several of us have been mentioning the depersonalization of teaching in the future. This paper actually states that teaching will become more personalized. I agree with Carolyn, this paper put a positive spin on the future use of technology. It makes it sound so promising. I can see how teaching could become more personalized. If students are working individually or in groups on a project, the teacher monitors the groups, listening and discussing the projects with the students. This is much more personal than standing up in front of the classroom lecturing until the bell rings. I also think that by parents being able to view classroom activities that would be true community learning and kids might act better if they know their parents could be watching. I'm not sure about the legal issues though.
== Comments on Future Paper by Karon Hughes ==
This paper offers us a brighter look into the future of education. The teacher's role will change as technology and pedagogy create a new education paradigm and so will the responsibilities of the student in the new learning environments. The education system will need to provide training and support for our educators. Hopefully this change will bring about more equal education for all students. I truly hope there will always be face-to-face interactions between students and teachers. The Karl Fisch powerpoint is very thought provoking.
paper 2 comments Lee Ann Luman
Nice paper to end our reading! I wish other teachers could read it to know what the possiblities could be in educational technology. I have heard several times throughout our comments that lower level achieving students are not being addressed. I thought that was interesting. So much lately has addressed the gifted students and how they are not being challenged.
PAPER ONE COMMENTS:
COMMENTS BY KELLY ROPER-MASSEY
==Sitting here in Myrtle Beach I am not too far from the New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. Using educational games with medicine was surprising but also seemed appropriate. I am told in the medical field, memorization is part of the key to success. According to this article, this type of learning is basically rote and good for math and science. I think I am the only parent in the world that has not bought my kids Nintendos or a Wii. I only have educational games in my home so far & have been lucky my kids have done well in school & not yet died from boredom.
Comments by Ryan Crater == I also had no idea the video games began with medicine. I believe that video games is and still up coming thing in educaion. Remember the Orgen Trail I use to play that all the time at school and in social studies when the teacher covered that period of history I had no trouble learning it and I give credit to the orgen trail. But that was then and this is now I believe one day that teacher will be given a video game that covers the whole cirrcullum for each grade level how coool would that be.
Comments by Grayson Beane
Ok I had no idea that video games began with medicine. I thought the military probably had some input, but medicine was a suprise. The military games have become part of the gaming industry. I wonder if we could do that with medicine. We could have a heart surgery game, and a journey thruogh the human body. What would really be cool is an interactive game to teach sex education. We could say good bye to alot of self conscious fumbling around.
Seriously, I just ordered a book called Don't Bother Me Mom, I'm Learning which is about the educational nature of game playing. It talks about learning from games that takes place even when the game was not created as an educational game. Good job on the research.
Comments by Josh Carver
Grayson, I believe the nintendo Wii is coming out with a surgery/medical game for its console. Where players can assume the role of a surgeon and build their character through many tasks that promote learning at the same time. Amazing that this concept of learning while playing has taken so long to catch on in console games. Trauma Center Wii Game
Comments By Becky Chappell
I remember reading about the military and medical use in one of our early classes. It may have been in our first class and in the book MIND TOOLS. It spoke of how some of the first "games" were those where interns would go through simulated manipulations with hearts. It also spoke about the military usage. I suppose these two areas are always aggressive with new potential methods because of national security and health issues. Grayson, you might want to create one of these games. With that creative mind of yours you could make a million.
Comments by Terri Ferguson
Very interesting article. I wasn't aware of the medical use of games, but could definitely see the benefits. I, myself, love the idea of games and simulations as learning tools. I use a lot of games and simulations with my students to make math fun--they really love to go to the computer lab and play as they call it. There are so many games and simulations available on the internet to make learning fun--as it should be.
Comments by Karon Hughes
While I was reading this article it reminded me of the games I played as a child...board games...Monopoly, Checkers, Chess, Operation (remember the game with the bones, heart, etc. to remove and if you hit the side a buzzer would sound)...now all these games can be played on the computer...I can remember in my teenage years games we played using the tv with a controller.
It was interesting to read about the history of gaming. I do think gaming is a good way for students of any age to learn. I have two friends who used the flight simulator software to learn about flying aircraft...they are now pilots. My daugther's fiance will be attending military flight school within the next year and he is currently using one of the newest versions of the flight simulator software to learn. Also, if you haven't been to the toy department in awhile - go see what is available for the little ones in today's world.
Classrooms of tomorrow can't come soon enough for today's children...there of course will be many hurdles along the way...gaming is just one of many ways for people to learn...there are just so many possibilities.
Comments by Sheila Richardson
And I thought I was being so innovative when I taught science allowing the kids to do simulations on the computer!!! I didn't realize that is why the games were developed in the first place. I believe there is a place in education for computer gaming but needs to be used sparingly. I think the point about gender preferences is a good one. Also, that is just one other avenue of meeting different learning styles. Wouldn't it be great if teachers really had access to student information like the doctors in the hospitals? At least at my school we don't. Cumulative records are locked in the vault, writing teachers have writing portfolios, SIMS operator has attendance info, AIG teachers have AIG info, Sp.Ed teachers have Sp. Ed info, etc, etc. etc.
Comments by Evan Herreid
I don't have to think to hard on this one but I have to say I belong to the revolution of gaming. I remember some of the first simulation programs for medical practices. When I was in college in the 90's my anatomy classes had an apple computer set up in the lab where you could perform, at the time, accurate surgery to remove an appendix or as a dissection tool for practice. There are so many games out there that could benefit our students from the lifestyle games like SIM City or The SIMS to real time strategy games like Caesar that teach you how to build, develope and maintain an entire city. If we could get some backing this would be great for students to use, now yes there will be people who say that I do not want my child playing games in school. Those types of thoughts can change as a students performance in school improves with the use of the software.
Comments by Jamie Branch
I did not realize that the medical field was the first to use simulations...how cool is that...I do know that there are alot of great chemistry lab simulations for sale. Before so many people started making ther own simulations and made them easy to access I thought about buying them. I thought if I could use the simulations that a few problems would be fixed such as students making up labs, and I would not have the concern of maintaining a chemical stock room. Labs would always be ready for when they were needed etc. I still think that with the increased regulations of chemicals in school that it would be a good idea to bite the bullet and purchase a few.
Comments by Rhonda Griffith
Teaching in a computer lab, I watch my kids game every day in class. It's what they live for as soon as they come through the door! I allow them the first 5 minutes and the last 5 minutes of class to check email and game, but no chatting on line. It's second nature for them as soon as they sit down in front of a computer to do all three, so I figure if I allow them some freedom to do at least 2 out of 3, that's half the battle.
Gaming produces some very positive effects also like hand/eye coordination, critical thinking skills, and a desire to create even better graphics in most instances. Like Evan said, most of my kids have experienced Simm City and liked it. I've seen some of my kids play so much and become so intelligent, they are far more advanced in the computer designing skills, programming, and hacking by the time their 16 than any of us can ever imagine. Why shouldn't we embrace their knowledge and teach them to use it for good? Why shouldn't we challenge them? I openly admit they know much more than I and often go to them with all of my questions. However, if one of my kids get into trouble for hacking into the schools system, my administrators say, "I'll see to it that kid never touches another computer in MY school!" And now the smartest kid in that school now sits in summer school with 80 hours of make up credit, in a computer lab, reading "Ender's Game" and sleeping his time away. Justice? I say, "Bring on the games, if that's what it takes!"
Comments by Carolyn Query
Like Rhonda, when I taught computer apps, my students were allowed to play games during the first 5 minutes and last 5 minutes of class so that they would be totally engaged while I took care of administrative duties at the beginning of class and at the end prepare for the next class. It worked everytime! They were happy and so was I. I knew that the military was involved with gaming, but didn't remember it in the medical field. I think you guys did a great job researching this area. This will definitely be an area to watch in the future. I bet games of the future will knock our socks off!
Comments by Randy Colbert
We know our students are great at gaming, so if thats the best way to teach them something, then i say use what we have!
Comments by Dean St. Louis
I agree 100%. I use games in Math class whenever I can some on computers some not. My students get great practice in problem solving when we "play". This is the best way I have found to get 7th graders motivated. My research study is on a program that uses the game as an incentive. They solve the problem in a traditional sense and play the game to pick the right answer.
In the paragraph on the "Positives" you mention that administration will sanction only educational gaming that fit certain criteria (NCLB, etc.) I sure hope administration becomes more informed before making any decision on upcoming technology tools. Here's hoping the education field becomes more open to ALL future technology. Great job on the article, makes me want to become part of gaming field. --Mlore 22:41, 22 June 2007 (EDT)
Comments by Sara Rhyne
I think we have already begun in this direction. Certainly the courses we have taken in the Instructional Technology masters program have all had a strong element of gaming to them. Many other large educational institutions have also jumped on the band wagon. Look at Duke’s involvement with the open source Croquet or Melbourne’s Second Life island.
Comments by Lee Ann Luman
Young children learn through play so why not older ones? Adults as well? When you think back on any learning experiences whether it be gaming or otherwise, if you had fun, you remember it. I liked what you said regarding "problem solving, applying ingenuity". Those are skills that are hard to teach from a book. If gaming offers a different avenue to teach them, why not?
