Week 7: Technology in the Classroom

I believe that the technology educators use in the classroom should match the technology that students use to an extent. Educators do need to keep up on what is available for teaching so that they can "keep up" with the times. Times are changing and it is important for everyone to be aware of what is available.

As for online chat and instant messaging in class, I have a hard time believing these could be beneficial to education. I would think that it would be demanding on a teacher to keep watch over what is being said by every student and be sure that all students are keeping on task. Personally, I just think it would be a distraction. If the situation just involves the student asking for help or questions about an assignment then I could see the use of this type of communication.

Again, it would depend on the situation. If it relates to questions about an assignment then yes I could see the benefit of text-based communication. Or if the teacher was ill and could not make it to class, then this would be an option. Otherwise, I would prefer to use face-to-face communication. Although there are some types of classes that text communications would be best, I suppose.

Podcasts could be helpful if it wasn't the primary type of instruction. If the instructor had a variety of teaching strategies then yes this could definitely be one to use.

the question about video games is somewhat difficult to answer. As far as them helping me with my studying, I would have to say no right now but I would really need more evidence before I gave a definitive answer. It would really depend on the type of class I was using the game for. I do have a daughter and she does have a game system. No I do not let her play games everyday because I would rather that she be playing outside or working on her writing but for she does get to play from time to time.