I do believe there is a limit to how far we should take the use of technology in the midst of the classroom. While there may be proven benefits of using technology such as computerised video games, there has to be a clear objective to the lesson behing the game that will be clearly grasped by each student.
Online chats can certainly be distracting in the classroom. After substitute teaching in several classrooms I have noticed such technology as the cell phone and text messaging has proven a great distraction--chat rooms can be the same type of distraction. In classrooms like this ETEC class though, it is a useful tool of communication between the instructor and for graoup projects, so I suppose it depends on the dynamic of the situation for use.
Yes, there are some benefits to asynchronous, text-based instruction over face to face instruction. In text based instruction the student has to prove to be self motivated to get through the assignments. They have to visually read and comprehend what is asked of them. In face to face instruction students can just go with the flow of the classroom but often there is a greater understanding of the subject matter with human interaction.
I am not sure about podcasts. It may be just a newer version of passively delivering information.
Videogames are nothing that I have ever gotten into. I have read where playing video games could help develope grammar skills and some coordination skills however there is a huge link too to obesity among all ages do to the dreaded videogame. Some videogame time is okay but too much of anything is harmful--just like the old saying.
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3 comments:
I like the fact that you give many situations in which it would be useful and not useful for the use of videogames and instant messaging in the academics. Things such as text messaging on phones has become a big problem with teachers in recent years due to the overall distraction and even the possibility of cheating by using cellphones within the class. You make some very good points and I agree with many of your arguments.
I totally agree with you on the text messaging, it has become a real distraction,...and chat rooms will probably will become one also. I also like how you said the the benefits and drawback with playing viedo games. I agree that some videogame time is okay but too much is harmful.
I agree with you about gaming. I think to much of anything never turns out well. I know that gaming is part of this generations technology, just like T.V. was in the 50's. It seem each generation has their vice and video games are certainly a huge part of todays culture. I think that there are some postive things to get from gaming. They develop hand and eye cordination, some games even allow kids to think critically. But, in the long run, if too much time is spent on gaming and not on any other avenues of recreation, I feel that video's do kids a diservice.
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