Disruptive Power of Second Life

Virtual worlds something I do not quite understand. I have a facebook account and loved it while I was in college when it first gained popularity. Then all these new additions were added. It seems each day a new tool was added; things like FARM, and create your family, and have a pet all on facebook were not for me.

Virtual worlds have been a craze for many internet goers. People create an Avatar in a virtual world that might have a complex the developer wishes he/she could have. Often the Avatar reflects traits in a person that the developer did not experience in their childhood or young adult life, or a trait they are afraid to experience in real life. From researching virtual worlds, the Avatar and the human behind it, are often nothing alike.

Many people become addicted to this virtual world and forget the reality that awaits them when they sign off the internet. Second Life is a disruptive tool because many loose touch with reality and become consumed in the alter ego of the Avatar.

I think Second Life will continue for awhile. I see it becoming more advanced but not being replaced.

Many that participate in a place similar to Second Life lack true social skills. All the socializing they see is through the Avatar and Second Life. In some cases it becomes so extreme that the human behind the Avatar becomes confused and does not know the difference between the virtual world and “real life”. This is not true in all cases, but unfortunately it consumes some and destroys lives.

Rhymes of History Technology

Dr. Thornburg discusses how technology can assist in rekindling a past time from history. The technology is not the focus; the technology changes the way the event occurs.

A past time of young girls that seems to have almost dwindled away is playing with paper dolls or the old fashion mansion of a doll house. Barbie becomes the replacement with all of the accessories available. Barbie has friends, a dream house, various cars, and of course Ken. Barbie too started to sit in the closet more or more.

The internet and handheld gaming systems have replaced this with virtual worlds. The internet has an abundance of virtual playgrounds where children can essentially do the same thing that was done with Barbie and other dolls. There are fashion worlds where the dolls can accessorize and shop. The virtual worlds also meet the needs of various age groups. SimCity allows teens to create virtual world where they choose hobbies, clothes, activities, and other aspects of life. Finally there are Avatars for adults to essentially play with dolls. The pastime of dressing up the doll and using the imagination is still there, but the user goes about doing a different way due to technology advances.

Link to SimCity: http://simcitysocieties.ea.com/index.php

Emerging Technology Tetrad

A tetrad is a great organization tool to help one determine if an emerging technology will be quickly replaced and what is takes the place of. Essentially it sums up the buyer’s thoughts on key aspects

Enhancement:
The internet has greatly improved communication and availability of resources. The possibilities are starting to be endless with the growth of the internet. The internet allows people to shop, pay bills, communicated, stay connected with social networks, and research or view information on a given topic at anytime.

Replaces
Currently, the internet replaces or is on the verge of replacing mailed forms of communication and bill pay. Also, many do all clothing or electronic shopping via the internet. One can even watch movies online. I think eventually the internet will replace TV’s in general. One can watch a movie via Netflix on the computer on demand.


Replacing the Internet
I think the internet will continue to evolve. More features are added frequently and more users take advantage of it each day. I think almost all devises will be connected to the internet. Right now, one can purchase an electronic book that connects to the internet. Eventually, I feel most everything will be electronic and connected to the internet and rapid speed.

Module 1: Touch Screen Classroom Computers

With the advances in technology, there has been an overflow of available resources to education. One tool that I think will emerge into the classroom are student touch screen IMac computers; these are student computers that are linked to a teacher computer. The computers are in the desks and each student in the classroom has one. The students can communicate with the teacher throughout class relaying questions and concerns to the instructor. The instructor can also determine which students are struggling and which are excelling with the given concept. This will enable teachers to flexibly group students according to ability without as much trouble. When students complete an assignment, they will submit it electronically. The teacher can utilize differentiated instruction on a daily basis.

Cost is a major factor in implementing this type of technology into the classrooms. Unfortunately, a class set of IMac computers in each classroom is extremely costly; therefore the higher income school systems will have access to computers, but the lower income and poverty stricken communities will not. Potentially the gap between socio-economic classes will only become wider. Also, students must be familiar with using technology on a daily basis. Some students may not have access to computers. Many of the home assignments might be technology based; this might cause problems for some students. Students should not suffer because they do not have internet or computer access at home.

Finally teachers would need to be trained on how to successfully implement the new program into the classroom. Often when a new technology comes to a school; veteran teachers are reluctant to use new technology. In implementing a new program, all teachers may not want to participate.

By implementing the student computers into the classrooms, students become more proficient with technology. As society continues to progress at an exponential rate, students need to develop the appropriate skills to keep up with the changes. As teachers, we are preparing students for jobs in society. Some students do not have access to computers or the internet at home. By allowing students to use the computers in schools, they will gain the confidence and experience they need for the future.

In order to successfully introduce the student computers into the classroom, teachers, students, and the community must work together. Teachers with a stronger technology understanding need to assist those who struggle to implement new tools. Also, proper training needs to be provided, at a convenient time, for all teachers. The training needs to address the available tools and how the computers can help the instructor.

http://edudemic.com/2010/06/the-future-of-classroom-computers-touchscreen-imacs/

Module 5

As I have mentioned before, I teach at a Title 1 school; therefore we have an abundance of technology. 3 years ago we had a Smart Board purchasing frenzy. Any teacher who wanted a Smart Board received one. The team leader for my 7th grade team has been teaching for 27 years. He has been at our school for 15 teaching Science. He is a very strict but effective teacher. His CRCT scores, (our state test) are never below 95% pass rate. He decided to get a Smart Board along with the other 7th grade teachers. The Smart boards arrived in January for the second semester. He used the Smart board the remainder fo the year. The following school year, he had it removed from his classroom and return to the over head projector and markers. He complained the students were too dependent on technology and did not pay attention to his lecture any more. He would not give in to the abundance of resources that the smart board offers including simple things like watching brain pop videos or using the textbook resources of power points and lesson checks on each section. He is a prime example of refusing to move forward with technology. He still calculates his grades by hand instead of entering grades to the online grading program.

This teacher seems to be uncomfortable with new things. The previous teaching methods have proven to be effective so why change them? If he would take the time to play with and understand the computer grading program, he would see the reports and convenience of using it. The grading program can drop the lowest grade, show average scores on an assignment, print missing work reports, and so on. Obtaining this information by hand is a challenge. He displays characteristics that many veteran teachers do. He has taught one way for so long, that it is now troublesome to change. I think a support team to help the less technologically inclined would be a great help. Also, he needs to give into change and accept that there might be a better and more efficient way to teach.

I responded to Evonie http://evonie-rash.blogspot.com/2010/08/module-5.html and
Amanda http://educ7105.blogspot.com/2010/08/module-five.html#comments

Module 4 Connectivism

Here is my mind map. I couldn't figure out how to make it larger with out it becoming blury. Here is the link to see it better!

http://mywebspiration.com/publish.php?i=490599a258c4

Networking has influenced the way in which students learn by adding resources to the classroom. Students can take virtual field trips to famous land marks such as the Great Wall of China or the Egyptian Pyramids. Without the internet and abundance of classroom computers, students could not do this in the past. Students can learn and review material in new ways. A student can create a wiki to demonstrate their understanding of a concept. The wiki can be a group project where students collaborate with another class in a different state.
I often find that students become board faster with standard notes and lecture. With technology growing, students seem to be more focused on the high pace life. As teachers, I feel that we have to keep up with that. I am constantly trying to find new ways to teach a concept that goes beyond paper and pencil.

I have a smart board in my classroom; and I absolutely love it. I think it is the most valuable technology tool I have. I use it for notes, power points, videos, student work, and more. The students love to work problems out on it; I often use that as a reward for great work. The smart board encompasses so much into one item. Smart Technologies also has an abundance of tools, lessons, and resources available to enhance the smart board. I have become very reliant on mine!

In working on this degree in technology, I have been introduced to many new technology resources. I was not familiar with wiki’s or skype. I had heard of a Blog, but I had never used on before. When I had to complete assignments using these tools, I went to Google and researched how to use them. I found tutorials on what to do and how to do it. When the Smartboard was installed in my classroom, I had no idea how to use it. My students were the ones who showed me the basics until we had a training session.

I responded to Evonie http://evonie-rash.blogspot.com/ and Kiana http://kobysmomsblog.blogspot.com/

Module 3

I think some people are meant to work in a group and others are not. My gifted students are a prime example of introverted students who lack social skills. Many of them are content working by themselves and become anxious when they have to interact with others. For the most part, I feel that people are drawn to work together; I think it is mostly due to the socialization aspect with middle school students. Most of the time, they feed off of interaction and acceptance from their peers. I tend to see that when students are unsure of how to work out a math problem they turn to a peer. Also, when students are completing a project they want positive reinforcement and help from other students. I my experience, students prefer to work together.

I agree that Wikipedia is essentially an online wealth of information; however, some of the information is not accurate. Anyone can post a response on a topic or definition. Regardless of the validity, the post says until someone disputes it. The uneducated person can simply put an opinion on what they think the definition or explanation of a topic is. I am not sold on Wikipedia. I use it occasionally, but I try to back it with credible sources.

I think technology can help people across the globe work together and interact. Students who are studying Egypt can go on a virtual field trip and explore the pyramids. From this exploration, they can formulate their own understanding of the pyramids. Also, students can have video chats with other classrooms that are on the other side of the country or the globe. The internet and technology that now comes with it broadens the horizons of our children.

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
The virtual world of manipulatives is a great online tool for students to play with popular math manipulatives. As classrooms grow, teachers may not have the resources for students to each have pattern blocks, algebra tiles, or tan grams, but with the internet, students can have access to them at any time.

I responded to Kiana http://kobysmomsblog.blogspot.com/
and Ashley Bridges http://bridgesa.blogspot.com/2010/07/module-3-collaboration.html