Week 14: Using Games for Teaching & Learning

This week we discussed the use of video games for teaching and learning. Specifically, we looked at the popular game Second Life, which is a virtual world in which individuals interact with other people and use real money to buy items in the game. Some educators are beginning to use video games, like Second Life, to teach classes in the virtual world. There is even a class at the University of Florida which uses the game. However, there are problems. SL involves real people and real money, therefore there have been issues, including lawsuits and affairs.

Looking at these games from a education view point is becoming more and more accepted. Many games require strategy and decision making. Even at the elementary level there are mini math and science "games" that require to students to answer problems to move to the next level. Students can also compete against others at the same grade level. The coming generations of students are going to be more and more technologically advanced and I believe game learning is just another step towards the future of education.

As this video points out, video games can make certain subjects more interesting for students who struggle with "homework." I believe this method of teaching can be a great alternative, but should not completely replace classroom learning.

This was also our last week in lab. This class has been very beneficial to me, as a developing teacher and in my personal life. I will definitely be using many of the tools I learned in this class in the future. I also feel as though I will be able to adapt to the ever-changing technological world.

Week 13: Distance Education & Virtual Schooling

This week we discussed distance education. Distance education is becoming more common today as students find it easier and cheaper to get their degree online. Even the University of Florida provides some online course work. The growing problem with this is that more and more people are going to unaccredited colleges/universities. This means that someone can get a degree by simply turning in a resume and paying a certain amount of money. If employers do not check the accreditation of the college, then my degree would be as good as their "degree." To get educated on the difference between online and in person schools check out this website.

Florida Virtual School is an accredited organization here in Florida. This "school" provides courses for high school students attempting to gain college credit. Many of my peers have used FLVS to take AP courses and have passed their exams. I think this is one example of how distance education can be positive and a legitimate source of education and accreditation.

This video highlights some of the problems with online degrees.

As a future teacher, I think distance education as advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that more people can get an education. But as a teacher, I would like to know my students and teach them face-to-face. I believe people can do well in online courses, but many students need the interaction that a live classroom provides. As I mentioned before, when attending an online school it's important to keep ethics in mind. It would not be fair for me to attend a 4-year university and have the same degree has someone who paid $1,500 and received their degree without any work.

Week 12: Creating a Professional Web Presence

This week in class we discussed the creation of our Professional Web Presence using Google sites, yet another FREE tool provided by Google. Having a Web Presence is a great way to let employers know more about you and why they should hire you. A Web Presence can include anything you think is beneficial for employers to see. In my personal web presence I included a personal page, a vita (resume) page, and a portfolio page. A portfolio page is vital to a successful web presence because it is where you can show what you've done and what you are capable of.

Although a professional web presence can be beneficial in any field, it is especially beneficial in the field of education, that I will be going into in a few short years. Principals are looking for teachers that will provide the most for their students. Using a web presence, I can display my past work -this blog, presentations, lesson plans, digital storytelling examples, and visual aids I have created. The web presence gives the employer a better understanding of me as a person and hopefully confidence in hiring me. This is a link to my web presence: Lauren McClain.

Another way to use Google sites is to create a classroom website. This would be great for keeping parents up to date with assignments, events, and teacher-parent communication. I'm excited for the day when I can share classroom stories and interact with parents.

This website gives 5 reasons to have a web presence. Although, the article discusses reasons why businesses should have a web presence, I believe this can apply to individuals as well. The five reasons it gives are: visibility, reach, credibility, competition and customer service. I believe competition especially relates to individuals having their own site. If someone is presenting themselves professionally, then this may give advantage when searching for a job.

Week 10: Tech Tools for Critical Thinking

This week we discussed tech tools that can be used for critical thinking. One critical thinking tool in is mind-mapping applications. As is demonstrated in my concept map extra post, these tools can be used to connect common ideas and organize common themes. There are several online tools available including: Bubbl.us, Gliffy, and Webspiration. Some of these tools even allow for collaboration and sharing, similar to Google Docs, which is useful in sharing ideas and preparing presentations.

In education, critical thinking tech tools can be quite useful. One use is in lesson planning. Many teachers share lesson plans amongst their fellow teachers at the same grade level. Using a concept map would give lesson plans a clear and detailed outline. Another use is in presentations. Students like interesting lessons and a concept map is just another visual aid for any subject or grade level. Many students also use concept maps to plan out papers, especially at the elementary level.

This website is a forum for education and various tech tools. As a teacher it will be beneficial to learn from other people and tools they have discovered. It's important to stay up to date with tech tools that are available in order to provide the best learning experience for students.