Week 7 Video Games

How far should educators go in matching the technology used in instruction and classroom activities to the technology their students use?
I don’t believe that educators should take it to the level where video games are use to teach students material. The teacher’s job is to teach that material. Video games enhance the attraction of learning, if the video game is only for educational purposes. Teachers have to be careful on how to apply technology in the classroom.
Are online chats and instant messaging of value in the classroom? Do they add to student learning, or do they distract from “real” instruction?
From my point of view, it is not a distraction as long as the teacher is monitoring a conversation, or guiding the chat to a logical goal. I had an online course where teacher did not monitor the discussion boards, Therefore it was puzzling to know what the teacher was expecting from us.
Are there benefits to asynchronous, text-based communication over synchronous, face-to-face communication? In what situations?
Yes, I believe so. A really good example is e-mail, blog, wikis, and other projects that we have cover in ETEC 424. Many times we do not have the same schedule to meet with one another to discuss issues. However, I still believe that face-to-face is the most effective way. We as teacher will be able to tell if a student is getting the material right away by the expression in their face.
Does using podcasts with students really enhance learning, or is it simply a newer version of passively delivering information?
Yes, the use of podcast enhances learning. We go back to talking about the new generation and the attraction for technology. It is important to use technology as tool for teaching. But, let’s not forget the fundamental of teaching.
Does videogame help develop your studying? Why or why not? Explain. What skills can you gain from it? Do you agree with the article? If you have children, would you let them play videogame every day? Why/why not
I would like to start this answer by commenting that video games will try to make as much material to sell as possible, I believe it is the goal of the industry to sell the video games not the knowledge. As a child I play and still play video games, the key and purpose of video games should be as a reward system after completing homework or studying. I will let my children play video games that are monitored and picked out for the age. But I will not use any video games to teach my children to add or read. The video games will be as entertainment only for limited time. I prefer to enhance education through other technology over video games. But again, I don’t have children now, so my ideas may change once I do.
Hiram