Assignment: Research. Choose a finding from the research presented to you in class. What stood out? Were you surprised by anything you saw? Do you think having information such as this available to you will help you reach your students on a greater level? Should we be cautious about research findings or take them at their word?
From the various research that was provided in class last Wednesday, the one study that stood out the most to me was the Horizon Report. As a future teacher I felt that was really valuable information. I didn't even realize that things/times are so different now. I guess as future teachers we better kiss traditional techniques goodbye and start dipping our toes into the wonderful world of technology. According to the report, within the next three years, they are predicting game based learning. I mean what child wouldn't want to learn if they are learning on devices they are using for several hours in a week for anyway. I feel this is a smart way to kind of steer their attention away from games that they probably shouldn't be playing on their xbox or ps3's and they can actually play games or do activities on those devices and learn.
The one major statistic that stood out the most to me was the percentage of children in grades k-2 who had cell phones and smart-phones (jaw-drop!) omg! that to me was crazy and kind of a reality check.. I keep getting blown away by how technological the world is getting. I am just shocked because I didn't even have a cell phone till I started college!! kids these days... SO LUCKY!!
I strongly feel that having information like this will definitely help me reach my students in a more effective manner. I have a great feeling that this class will be opening many exciting new doors for me. It's kind of like the saying.. "If you can't beat them, join 'em" We can use what the kids are most comfortable using as a teaching resource. We all learn better when we are doing something that is fun and interesting, and using these types of tools to engage our students will be totally empowering to them. Using things like personal gaming devices and tablets for learning will, I feel even benefit students with special needs such as ADHD! How awesome would it be for an ADHD child to NOT sit in class and read out of a book but learn on a iPad!
I like this research, I mean so far its really making sense to me. It is a better way for us to reach our students.
-Rehana :)
It makes sense that teaching methodologies begin employing high tech devices, this is what the military has been doing for the last decade; most military training almost exclusively incorporates simulation that's certainly not unlike video gaming.
ReplyDeleteHaving the research statistics is valuable so you know who you will be servicing. It is incredible when you think about it as you stated- kids so young having cell phones! As a parent of 11 year old twins I try to strike a balance between being too "old school" and allowing some freedom to them.
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