the real world taught in fantasy land, or isn't?

The article Walk, fly, or Teleport to Learning: Virtual Worlds in the Classroom, by Maureen brown Yoder, really cought my attention. in short, the main idea is to create a virtual worl and a virtual version of yourself, an Avatar. In this virtual worl, students can buy land, interact and even educate themselves and with the help of the teacher. this is awesome. Many people seems to be facinating with the idea of having an alter-ego or a second personality, and with a teaching tool like this it is possible.

I see this as a big opportunity for students to develop their personality without being afraid of the social image at schools. We, as teachers, just have to be careful on what is permitted on this sites. One of the ways to describe this worlds is MUVEs. "According to eMarketer estimates, by 2011, 20 million children will be members of Internet-based multiuser virtual environments (MUVEs)" up from the 8.2 million who are already participating in them today." this numbers are enormous. I can only imagine how great would it be if more and more of this virtual lifes introduce educational challenges.

But there is more, students and teachers are not alone in this. There are other projects like Global Kids and GamePill, who work together to make this possible. as descrived by the author "What's really great about the Global Kids project is that they mix virtual-world technology with real-world challenges, engaging young students in socially responsible efforts that can have a real impact on the world they live in at the same time that they improve their chances for a promising future."

I am not really a big fan of computer games or interactive games, but at the same time, I know and realize how big the gamer's crowd is. I think that if we can attach teaching and interaction between this two, the same way that GamePill and Global Kids intended too, we can provide lerning opportunities in social networking, finacial literacy, developing ones' identity, and lerning about life in general. I would like to try this one of this days, even when I'm not a fan of games, I think that if they are used the right way, we can reach more people than we think.

we need technology in our life

In the September/ October 2009 edition, I found an interesting peace called Professional development Changes Classrooms, by David H. Brock. This publication is in reference on how there has not been enough money directed into enhancing technology in some schools. It is remarkable to see how sometimes we don’t realize that if we don’t steps forward in technology and stop focusing in the same old traditional methods, we can easily lag behind and become superseded in the future. As the author says, “For a student to be competitive in a global market, we can no longer rely simply on traditional educational strategies.” In general, we have to focus as a complete unit, students, teachers, school districts, government, administration, and parents. We have to see where the technology and the word in general are rotating and shift with it not out of it. We need to be competitive and help the others who need to catch up.

I hope that the district or the school that I get to work for is as adapt or open-minded as the author of this article. I really think that technology is growing in a way that is pushing some of us students, and teachers out of the way. A friend once said “technology is growing faster than our power of understanding.” It is hard to keep up with the administrative area and provide to those in need, I know, but I will try my best as a teacher to see a way to push students to be updated. I think there are more ways to solve a problem like this; fixed schedules and sharing computers, ask for sponsors, or something. I just hope that my motivation continues like this. I hope that I get the support I need. On my side, I will try my best.

students making dvds for language

Spicing Up Spanish Class: by Cawood Cornelius and Terri Vest.

This article came up on May but I thought it would be really interesting, since it talks about a project for a Spanish class. The project did not included language only. This project included the uses of and the use of Wikis, Power point, Photo Story and a presentation, as well as some papers to turn in.

What is appealing about this specific project is that the use of technology in this case helps to develop the student’s culture and social studies, language, speech, technology use and it helps to learn about history from around the world. In general, the project consisted in doing presentations; video and writing scripts for the slides, but all had to be done in Spanish and with information gathered in the library and from the web.

This project was the winner of the 2008 ISTE Media Specialist Technology Innovation Award, and I can see why. I really like the fact that Spanish is being thought in a way where a multidisciplinary approach is being considered. I really want to focus in culture as well as language. The idea of creating a DVD with the student’s findings and teaching them at the same time how to express themselves is really enjoyable; it can be enjoyed by the students as well as the teacher. The idea of breaking out of the routine is “key” in studying.
Over all, I think that technology can be used in so many different ways and apply to so many projects. I will love to work in a school that is open-minded in these ideas and be able to put all this projects in use.
educ 422

chatting it up

Chatting It Up On Line, by Pamela livingstone
I think it is interesting to see how a teacher is able to find a way to connect with the students and motivate them. To begin with, the idea of having a conversation with one of your favorite authors, or just even a book you have read, is a great ideal. I have met some of my favorite authors before and it is really nice to see how they are humans like anyone else. It pushes a magical button that really motivates a person to get more involved. Secondly, taking preventive measures is great. I know how internet connections can be lost or interrupted, or there might be software needed or so. On the other hand, having a tech support or a backup plan it is always a smart move. Thirdly, the idea on not telling the students until one is 100 percent sure is also a smart move.

I can see how disappointment can deter the student’s motivation. Last but not least, the idea of having other tools to learn, in this case the internet or live chats, it is awesome. I think it is encouraging to break out of the routines and find knowledge or a communication devise that takes us out of the classroom. At the same time, it prepares us to the modern days and helps us, as well as the students, to be a bit more up to date with anything they want.

I like the idea of having authors and celebrities to chat with the students. It will be a good way for me to motivate students to “play” with the internet and to use new ways of communication. I'm interested in language and teaching Spanish, and having a way for the students to chat with people in other parts of the world where Spanish is predominant will be of great help. The article made me think and be aware of the problems that can come, and new ways to prevent them. I will try to avoid any problems and make sure to have the back-ups needed to make sure using technology is a pleasant experience.

NETS 4 (technology: internet access)