Journal 8…. Learning & Leading with Technology

“WEB 2.0 Today’s Technologies, Tomorrow’s Learning”
By Jennifer Groff and Jason Haas

MIT’s Education Arcade is researching and developing the potential of using more video games and other such technologies in the classroom. Teachers are resistant to the uses and have labeled them as disruptive, but the MIT team says they can introduce such devices in away that make sense. These technologies can actually bridge the gap in traditional scholastic culture and the culture of today’s learners. The motivation behind such development is based on the student centered classroom. They have reported students’ critical learning skills are more engaged and they learn deeper conceptual knowledge in real-world experiences.

1. What are some of the technologies I can use in the classroom?

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  Digital simulations of real-world situations are and ideal way for the students to get hands on experience that they would not be afforded in the real world. I.e. studying the human circulatory system is not possible in the real world.
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  “Starlogo TNG”, allow students to create simulations and games with easy to-use programming blocks. Then they can demonstrate the principle of evolution or factors of a forest fire… concepts that would be hard for students to experience.
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  Diplomacy is a game that has a scenario in which students must respond to (such as the political causes of WWI as found in Diplomacy.) Students learn the reasons, but they learn to negotiate and be mindful of how their actions impact others.

2. What are some strategies for success? How are teachers getting over some of the speed bumps on the road to using these technologies?

The author suggests teachers to explore, partner with colleague and find additional support resources. Teachers should just play with these technologies. Take chances and find out what they are capable of. Try them with other teachers. Share notes of new found capabilities and develop a support group. Bounce ideas off each other. Attend workshops and conferences. Look for support from Web resources. Do not be afraid of change and accept there will be a learning curve.