After reading Chapter 9 about new schools in the future I definitely could see the direction that our educational system is heading towards. I agree with the book that our educational system will move further towards being conducted online instead of a brick and mortar location. With technology to aid our education we can customize our learning and provide resources that match with our learning styles. When students have the choice of the resources to choose to learn a particular topic they will be more engaged in the learning process. In addition, technology that can be found online can help track student achievement better than a physical teacher can and therefore it will enable students to progress based on their achievement levels rather than being dictated by their age. This helps differentiate instruction and provides extra support for those that need help and provides challenging and fast paced curriculum for those students who are gifted.
I was also very excited about the piece on modeling our educational system after video games. Students definitely learn from experience while playing video games and there is no reason why we can’t design educational games to help teach our subjects. Instead of completing assignments students strive to challenge themselves to reach the highest level of knowledge in that field and are rewarded with some type of incentive. When students invest time into their levels they will come back to the game repeatedly. In addition, they can customize their learning environment in a video game and these games can have all the answers readily available whereas a teacher may not.
This is something to consider as a teacher because we may be working more as facilitators than lecturers in the future. In the business realm these same principles could apply to work. Employers could translate their work to emulate a video game and advancing to different stages based on their success with different rewards at each level instead of a salary and normal job tasks. This would help motivate the millennial generation.
2:40 am - 11-17-2010
I believe whole heartedly that within a matter of years our teaching careers will be conducted online. If that is the way the change will come, I would be excited to explore that new educational system. I also think it is really neat to see learning being transformed into games; something the students have grown up with. While attending the Conclave in March, we were given a quick review of a Personal Finance video game. It is definently something I would love to incorporate into my classroom!
3:20 am - 11-17-2010
With the developments in technology learning can take place from about anywhere. Students now do not have to be in attendance physically to receive an education. Technology has allowed for more than just easier access to education. Technology has also created educational games that are very engaging to the students.
5:31 am - 11-20-2010
I think it is terrific that some of our future curriculum can be based upon the video games our students enjoy. Students today learn in a very different way that we did. Harnessing their interests and making the curriculum more engaging will only benefit the learning process.
8:22 am - 11-21-2010
Online schools and classroom seems to be popular and with the lack of funding, online schooling could possibly grow into the new education. I think this is somewhat sad for our students. Education through only online activitie and events is limited. I know our social networking tools are changing, but students need that time to communicate and participate with people in life. It will be the job of the community and parents to make sure their children get some social time outside of their houses.
1:27 am - 11-23-2010
There is many ways for us teachers to find out new ways to incorporate new technology into the classroom, then just from our local school district.
8:20 am - 11-23-2010
You’ll hear about some simulations/games from one of the learning communities. I have very limited experience with using them in the classroom unless you count Second Life.
8:21 am - 11-23-2010
But Second Life is not a game so I guess that it doesn’t count.