The idea of differentiated instruction has been around for a long time. However, as Adam pointed out, we have finally “reached a tipping potin with digital assets and access” that can support truly personalized learning. We will hear less talk of learning management systems and more talk of platform that allows students to access the […]
Continue reading Personalized Learning Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll Game-based learning has gained considerable traction since 2003, when James Gee began to describe the impact of game play on cognitive development. Since then, research — and interest in — the potential of gaming on learning has exploded, as has the diversity of games themselves, with the emergence of serious games as a genre, the […]
Continue reading Game-Based Learning Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
I believe this is a wonderful way for students to absorb new information and have fun with it. Incorporating games into a learning environment is a positive method to help students learn and enjoy learning without even realizing it!
When we look at foundational, big picture skills that span across curriculum and beyond the reaches of educational settings into real-world ones, the ideas of teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving in complex situations come up. What better way to target these than game-based learning? There are a lot of possibilities here…
I worked for a company that did serious games and I contributed the writing design and content for a game still sold by the Canadian Standards Association for workplace health and safety. That being said… I really think it’s all about the design. The problem is that if people are unwilling to put in the time required to design in-person lessons, they seem even less likely to put in the time to develop worthwhile games. The cost of development per hour of game is enormous. My concern is people jump on the excitement of a medium and ignore the requirements of design. It’s the Clark vs Kozma debate and I am firmly on the Clark side.
Hi,
I agree that design is very important. A mentor once told me that when developing an application … 2/3 is spent on design and 1/3 on programming. I think he just wants to emphasize the importance of design.
I think game based learning can be a good way for student’s to learn if it is done well. I think there is the possibility of teaching complex concepts such as scientific inquiry, but it does take time and it does need to be executed well in the classroom. Often times the classroom teacher needs to be given training on how to support the implementation of game based learning in the classroom.
Game-based learning can promote creative problem solving and critical thinking skills. It also promotes autonomous learning. In London the Sorrell Foundation and My City Too have intended to launch programs that include game-based learning. Here in Chile there are some organizations, such as Innovacien (http://www.innovacien.org/), that are promoting this kind of learning in a number of schools.
Game Based learning is a way to learn and have fun – a combo that I find very effective. I also like the opportunity it has for role play situations for an ESL class. I’ve heard and would love to explore the potential of the Sims or 2nd life for use in online learning with language students.
I think the idea of using a game such as the Sims for online language learning is a great idea, but I think it is important to couple such learning with in-class role-plays that allow for a face-to-face component.
I usually try to find a game to play on the SmartBoard that deals with the day’s learning goals. It’s amazing how much more involved students get when there’s a game to be played.
There’s got to be a game more productive than 7 Up or Silent Ball which uses classroom technology and gets all the students participating, but I can’t think what that game might be.
Developing an effective game that doesn’t involve technology can be time consuming so I can only imagine the time and costs that go into the design of a those that do. If used properly they may be a great way to learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills but I think to much focus on game-based learning would remove an important human interaction component of collective learning and focus to much on individual learning.
Perhaps another way to think about it is case-based learning and problem-based learning rather than game-based learning. Whether the case or problem are presented as a game perhaps doesn’t matter. The key part is gathering information, conducting an analysis, reviewing options, and making choices.
I think the potential for game based learning is amazing. We all know that when something isn’t “fun”, we don’t tend to enjoy it as much. As well, the learners that are emerging are comfortable with games. Let’s use the skills that many of the learners already have to our advantage.
I think one of the beauties of game-based learning is that it can be sneaky, passive, or unintentional – while a student is having fun being wrapped up in a game, they end up taking information in (or creating it, for that matter – even collaboratively) and learning about things that were perhaps not seemingly part of the point of playing the game at all.
I became really interested in the serious games area after playing the PeaceMaker game. I would really like to explore if there’s a way to apply this type of concept to business analysis as it could keep a curious person engaged if it’s done well. I think it could also encourage the analyst to look at the interviewing process in a new light. I noticed that there is a business game posted in the Horizons report that I’ll have to check out. I think serious games have huge potential for adult learning opportunities.
While this was not one of my top 8 choices it is an area I am very interested in. I believe that there is great value in game-based learning in its motivational and interactive attributes. However, more research and time needs to be extended in focusing on design from an educational perspective. The problem is whether or not such time and effort can be reflected in the profitability of such a venture as educational tools etc. traditionally have not been able to resolve high costs of design as have commercial products, which have been more desired thus increasing demand and broader levels of sales.
For “unpopular” subjects like Math, game-based learning is a great idea and a good opportunity for students to enjoy them.
I think game-based learning could be very useful in getting my students to understand concepts in physics and mathematics. I realize that the average students including adult learners like game and will easily gasp concepts when they are engaged in interesting activities. In my view, games can create the platform for learners to participate in class activities.
I believe that Game-Based Learning has a place in education. But, I am concern about the possible consequences.
a) If a child interacts with a computer most of the time, would it affect his social skills?
b) if a child spends too much time on a game, would his attitude towards classroom setting change?
Would it affect his eyesight (similar to watching tv at close range)?
There are many Game-based learning.
If a child wants to play Game-based learning everyday, would that be okay?
is there a need to set a time limit?
… going to an extreme case..
child: “Dad, why do I have to go to school? I can learn math, science, english , etc … through Game-based learning”
According to Technorati, the blog count reached 70 million last year. Even though a quarter of them are most likely bot-created spam blogs, the quantity of content ‘in the cloud’ is still staggering. Blogs give everyone a voice to communicate, teach, spout opinions, learn and network. And with RSS technology, blog posts are quickly pushed […]
Continue reading Blogs Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
Blogs are a fabulous way to interact and communicate to others. This program is a great model to emphasis just how powerful blogs really are; communicating, learning and teaching others all through a site designed to do so.
In our blended learning projects in elementary and secondary schools we have found that the use of blogs with frequent interaction between students and between teacher and students has resulted in an improvement in writing skills of our students. Their feedback to each other, and the knowledge that the writing was going to be viewed by many resulted in a greater effort to improve the quality of work…this took time, but I am now convinced of the value of blogs (and wikis too) for this purpose.
I’m not a fan of blogs. Maybe it comes out of my background but I guess I’m a snob about writing and I prefer writing to meet standards of audience, purpose, utility, organization and entertainment, something editorial gatekeepers used to enforce.
I think blogs are a good way for students to express themselves, as long as it is carried out well in the classroom. I think that they are a good student reflection tool and they can help to highlight student learning.
Blogs can bring huge opportunities for promoting critical thinking skills and develop content through e-portfolios (eP). Schools and Universities in Chile are starting to integrate blogs in instruction as a tool that support the face-to-face setting of learning. So, it is a technology that educators are needing to use.
I used a WordPress blog during summer school to upload course notes and important information (e.g. test/quiz info, etc.). I think there were some pros and cons, but overall was very successful. This year, I’m teaching Math in Tech Immersion Program and have created a course blog for my students. As regular school year is different from summer school and a new school year has just begun, I don’t know if it will be successful again. However, it’ll be a good experience for both my students and me.
A blog is an excellent tool in classrooms because I believe it provides increased access and exposure to quality information. It also promotes critical and analytical thinking which improves learning.
There no doubt that blogs are creating a serious wave across the internet and in the classroom. From current experience, students are showing a great liking for such an environment and the fact that their efforts are going global where others can view their end product.
According to a recent report from mobile manufacturer Ericsson, studies show that by 2015, 80% of people accessing the Internet will be doing so from mobile devices. Perhaps more important for education, Internet capable mobile devices will outnumber computers within the next year. In Japan, over 75% of Internet users already use a mobile as […]
Continue reading Mobiles Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
Given these days of budgetary restrain that plague many school boards, I believe that exploiting the proliferation of student-owned mobile devices could reduce the pressure of providing and servicing school-owned computer hardware and software.
I am way behind on mobiles but I took my iPad downtown the other day and when we needed to know what to do when plans didn’t work out, our connection to the Internet and location services saved the day. I think this is a great avenue for providing just-in-time information for problem solving. I would love to see a situation with far more real-world problem-solving and relying on connectivity to get the data required to do it.
I am hoping to pilot an Apps for Android use – based on ESL conversations. It might not happen though as the developer is trying to get funding….It was all based on an App that had the user having a conversation with Santa, by texting answers on their phone…
Four years ago, I used my cell phone for emergency purposes only. I used to get chastised for never having my cell on. Now, I text, email, chat, talk, prepare lesson plans, connect online for MET courses, order school supplies, shop, make reminder notes, and if I really wanted to, turn on the lights at home even though I’m not there. And I’m in agreement with Karen that there would be less of a burden on schools to provide up to date and serviceable hardware/software. (Don’t get me started on district IT, sigh.)
Mobile learning has the potential to provide anywhere, anytime learning and support for almost every topic – it can be a guide or text in your pocket that has huge opportunities for just-in-time learning.
Whether it be a tablet or a mobile / smart phone, technology that is multipurpose (or condensed, in a sense) may do more for students (dictionary, internet, apps, etc.) at less cost to a school – especially if students use their own or rent / pay for the use of school-issued ones, similar to instruments in a band program.
It’s more convenient to use a mobile phone than a computer or laptop. Easy to carry around and to have access. I agree with my coursemates that mobile technology will do more for students.
Over last three years I have noticed more students at my institutions using phones that have internet access. The students sometimes used their phones to access the internet or carry out computations. Hence, I think mobile will be a useful medium for online learning. Students complete assignments while waiting at bus stop or in lines or during travelling. It is very convenient.
A move towards assessments that are more product-based. As he noted, ”our Web 2.0 is Web 1.0 for our learners”. Since they are accustomed to producing and sharing content, a move towards a model of students as producers will provide opportunities for more authentic assessments and the sorts of portfolios that provide a much better […]
Continue reading Product-Based Assessments Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
Products are much more customizable for the learner to express him/herself than a constraining test. Electronic products provide a convenient opportunity for learners to express and share.
I’m not entirely sure how this is different from the products students already produce. Certainly a move towards more “authentic” production is a possibility but I imagine it might outrage educators who seem a bit touchy when real-world applications are discussed for schools. An article I read recently about instructional designers indicated that Masters programs were not adequately preparing their grads for real jobs… at least in the opinions of employers who were surveyed. Those kind of results have caused changes here at Concordia where we focus in some courses on authentic work.
I am hoping to work with Nelson Publishing Canada this fall to pilot their Gates-Macginitie Reading and Comprehension Test online in China. After speaking with the Rep, he gave me a couple of examples of where he could see the future of assessment leaning towards “assessing the actual abilities” and not just the Language and he gave me some examples from some Canadian colleges.
Opportunities for learners to be engaged in authentic activities are central to theories like situated cognition and constructivism, and making these (rather than standardized tests) the assessment does so much for making the learning and evaluation meaningful and representative of the students’ progress and development.
I think products afford an assessor the ability to see a broader range of student abilities in a more authentic light than a smaller assignment or quiz.
The process of producing a product not only allows students to demonstrate a broader range of knowledge then written tests/quizzes, but it could also be a tool for assessment for learning. Studdents can learn not only about the subject, but also about team work and collaboration.
I have already seen in schools that many teachers are eager and interested to start down the path of product-based assessments: easy-to-use tools, exemplars and professional development are the only things standing in the way.
Great move! For way too long students are being put under the pressure of standardized exams to produce number grades. With the advent of web 2.0, they are now able to be assessed in relaxed and virtual settings; presenting and producing quality work and experience that is aimed at their holistic development.
I think that product-based assessments encourage innovation and research skills. These are skills required in the fast-paced, ever evolving technology invaded world we live in.
Applications designed for the iPad offer interactive content that takes advantage of touch-screen navigation. The iPad combines robust computational functionality with a screen large enough to serve as a legitimate replacement for printed textbooks and other course materials. Where the iPad applications have led, other tablets and their attendant applications can be expected to follow, […]
Continue reading iPad Apps Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
I find the iPad particularly interesting as it defined its own niche. In terms of mobile computing and meaningful learning, I believe this is an excellent avenue for engagement.
I like the iPad far more than I expected. The accelerometer, the location-based Google maps, the touch interface all provide a different feel for me when using a “computer”. I’ve been using my iPad to try to push myself to be more visual and tactile than I am with a PC with a keyboard.
iPads are becoming more attractive to students. But I am thinking specially on students of Higher Education (considering that students of k-12 institutions might not have access to this technologies, at least here in Chile). The intuitive character of MAC softwares and Apps can provide huge opportunities for teaching and learning, for collaborative work and sharing knowledge.
At one of our tertiary hospitals, we trialed an ipad for Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) where the physician enters patient orders at the bedside using their own ipad. Research suggests that ‘immediate’ information provides better patient care – ie: going to the desk and logging into the computer and being interrupted often allows for errors or omissions to occur. This trial has been quite successful.
We are also looking at ipod touches to be used at point-of-care: that is, each nurse would carry an ipod touch, scan the barcode on the medication, scan their id tag and the patient’s id bracelet, ensuring the right medication goes to the right patient at the right time. The time and date of the administration is automatically documented, along with the nurse’s name/identification, thus improving documentation and administration and reducing errors.
Great technology in the advancement of health care.
ipads have their place and while I am not convinced this is in the ‘classroom’ itself it definitly has potential in other areas such as health care, as Deb suggested.
Now that they are firmly established in the consumer sector, electronic books are beginning to demonstrate capabilities that challenge the very definition of reading. Audiovisual, interactive, and social elements enhance the informational content of books and magazines. Social tools extend the reader’s experience into the larger world, connecting readers with one another and enabling deeper, collaborative explorations of […]
Continue reading Ebooks Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
For students who have difficulty reading, whether they are dyslexic, have a learning disability or have sight problems, e-books are extremely beneficial. When opened in an e-reader, or in reading software such as Kurzweil (www.kurzweiledu.com) or Word Q (www.goqsoftware.com) the e-book can be manipulated so that the font is larger or smaller, or that the background can be lighter or darker.
I prefer e-books. I have saved so much time and money and backache being nearly totally digital. I sued to have a fine library but I packed up all my books and donated them to charity. I try to avoid paper and books at all costs. In my latest class here our textbook was available as a Kindle edition for $9.00!
I have just discovered the wonder of e-books. I love the recipe books that automatically link you to youtube so you can watch the product being made. I also discovered children e-books – where the book will not only read to you, but you can make the three little pigs dance, touch an item on the page and have the the book say the word out loud and spell it, etc. Quite amazing technology in assisting children to read in a fun and interactive environment.
Image the cost of sending a boat load of books to teachers in the 3rd world, then consider the cost of sending a boat load of books contained within a couple light weight eReaders to the 3rd world.
While I still prefer a good old fashioned hard-cover, the interactive component of e-books engages children and can focus on many areas of learning at once (reading and spelling as suggested by Deb above). They also make the material more accessible to readers who may have trouble seeing smaller print. My concern with technology is that cost is often a barrier and likely one of the reasons I still prefer a good old second hand book.
I can’t really argue with the money- and space-saving aspects of ebooks, but there is something retrograde with the design of ebooks, with the flipping of pages and bookmark features. The electronic devices can do so much more than print books can, it is a wonder why designers have to linger on these print conventions when they could develop something more useful. It would be like viewing the movie Avatar through a Fisher Price View-Master instead of reinventing the literary medium.
am very happy we have e-books since they are free and far more cheaper that hard copies. These also in some cases have features that makes learning more interesting and engaging. For example, they accommodate many learning needs and styles of learners since many have features to read, making them more interactive.
I have used free ebooks in my physics and mathematics which I would very useful in providing suitable information to my students. I enjoy using ebook because there is software that can allow one to set quizzes directly the books. Ebooks are teacher and student friendly. They minimise the burden of carrying of heavy books around in class and easy access to information.
Easily one of the most significant things to hit the book industry. Now one can walk around with entire libraries without feeling the weight. With ebooks, the possibilities are endless and students are privy with choices on the go. This is a real revolution in the education sector.
File storage and management has become a potentially limiting factor in the usefulness of new technologies, and cloud-based file services such as Dropbox, SugarSync, AeroFS, and Box.net attempt to fill that need. With these services, files are stored “in the cloud,” and each time the user accesses the service, the files are synced with whatever […]
Continue reading Files in the Cloud Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
For students with ADHD, one of the difficulties they have is keeping track of their paper homework and assignments. They find it hard to keep everything organized and are susceptible to misplacing materials before they are able to submit their work. The cloud eliminates the risk, as students are able to access their homework and assignments from any computer or device. It also reduces the time required between printing the assignment and handling it as they can share their files directly with their teacher online.
I think the only thing holding back cloud computing is bandwidth. If upload/download speeds were never an issue, then everyone would be doing this. It’s only a matter of time before the bandwidth issue is solved. Other issues like privacy and equitable access are also a factor.
The cloud has really simplified things for me. I’ve done group assignments in real-time using Google docs, I share a dropbox with my adviser for work I do for him, and I will be able to access journal articles I download from classes on any device. This is huge for me.
Although I’m kind-of breaking the rules here in that this is the fourth area I’m commenting on, I just wanted to chime in that online files have proved an easy solution for me in school and in this program. Student file space at school gets freed up, and allows them to work on things away from school as well. Some programs also make collaboration possible, if needed, whether it be synchronously, asynchronously, or both.
“Files in the cloud” has made my life easier. This technology has offered me efficient and safe ways for moving, sharing and backing up my files. I can put away my jump drive and stop emailing myself.
I have found “Files in the cloud” to a convenient way receiving assignments from students. I think it has potential to provide interactions between educators from different institutions across Jamaica since they will offers educators with more efficient and safe ways for sharing and storing up my files.
The open educational resources model, including textbooks, has emerged as a response to rising text prices, a need for greater access to high-quality learning materials, the proliferation of e-reader devices, and a trend in publishing toward electronic media. Many contend that educational resources should be open and that instructional models increasingly depend on open content. […]
Continue reading Open Textbook Publishing Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
Our program relies largely on this emerging technology, as a teacher this is a wonderful way to use different kinds of technologies to learn, as well as save on the rising text prices.
This is a fantastic idea. It levels the playing field somewhat between that haves and have not students. My one concern would be the quality of the texts (but I have the same concern for wikipedia), however I believe that this one negative does not take away from the positive benefits of this technology.
Again, my concern is about editorial control. Wikipedia works as well as it does because of the editorial control of its members. I also question how contributors are compensated. For those of us who make money as writers and designers, I’m not sure how we can justify taking things from people and not paying for them.
An open-ended student response system is an electronic service or application that lets students enter text responses during a lecture or class discussion. Open-ended systems give faculty the option of collecting such free-form contributions from students, in addition to asking the true/false or multiple-choice questions that conventional clicker systems allow. Such tools open a channel […]
Continue reading Open-Ended Response Systems Posted in: Emerging Markets Poll
Our sets of clicker systems are the most used tool in our secondary schools bar none due to the ability to immediately assess progress, find misconceptions and most of all, motivate the students quickly…well worth the investment!
I would prefer to simply use a Socratic method and talk with students, but I see value in the response systems after watching a video about Eric Mazur who uses them in large physics classes as part of a combination of lecturing and cooperative learning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBYrKPoVFwg
I’m not a fan of clickers or cooperative learning but having watched the video, I believe he’s using them in a much more effective way than I have experienced myself.
I think the use of these systems can help to promote the engagement of students who aren’t always comfortable speaking up in class. They also are a good way of “taking the temperature” of the classroom to see what the level of understanding is currently at.
The video David brought forward is a great example of this technology being coupled with many of the principles in adult education such as active learning, student engagment and dailogical approach to learning; stepping away from the teacher as a “sage on the stage” to a “guide on the side” questioning rather than just filling learners information (a top down approach).
The ability to not only reveal and treat misconceptions, as in Mazur’s Peer Instruction, open-ended response systems allow for greater flexibility and dialogue while tracking information and data that can later be used formatively, for research, or for justification on larger policy decisions.
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jarvise 5:57 am on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In high school, we get students entering at various levels of competence. Many of them get stuck in grade 10 for a prolonged period of time, get frustrated, and give up. Through targeted e-learning strategies that complement curriculum, this could help to reverse the problem. Think of personalized reading and writing help, numeracy help, built-in apps that allow students to read content that may be too hard for them while scaffolding the experience. Basically, educators have been talking about individualized instruction for a long time, but is now becoming possible.
ashleyross 1:36 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
If I could vote more than once, it would be for personalized learning. I believe personalized learning is extensive, as no two students learn exactly the same way and now that there is technology to assist the different learning styles, there is no reason why students should struggle through a subject that could be presented to them in a form that utilizes their personal learning style and needs.
Karen Jones 4:20 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The use of technology to personalize learning may not only go a long way to address the diversity in classrooms, but may increase the relevance and interest of education to learners in danger of becoming disenfranchised in the current system.
David William Price 6:42 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In the explanatory video for the Khan Academy, they showed how their backend system tracks the progress of students on EACH QUESTION they answer in the system, showing how long it took to answer each question, whether it was right or wrong, and providing a graph of the questions and the time to answer them and the correctness… a graph of learning, basically. This theoretically allows a teacher to intervene with individual students for specific problems without being asked for help. Yes, this still requires human intervention…. but it makes the MOST of that human intervention.
http://www.khanacademy.org/about
verenanz 9:04 pm on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The whole goal of my business company is to create the best possible learning. We have learned through testing and research, that the “best” possible teaching is due to amazing teachers who really get to know their learners – that it is the secret to success. However, the other “secret” is having the teacher act as a facilitator to encourage personalized learning. Even personalized learning needs network support.
themusicwoman 9:15 am on September 10, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
It just doesn’t make sense that all learners learn the same way. Research is showing that the kids of today actually are using different parts of their brain in respect to technology. Although they can fiddle with the newest gadgets in the blink of an eye, they don’t read like older learners do nor act as socially as others in the past. In a sense, technology is making them dumber. Personalized learning needs to take this into account as we adapt to today’s needs and advantages.
khenry 4:43 pm on September 11, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Being able to asses, design and enable personalised learning is becoming and will continue to trend. Such practices are essential in Constructivist strategies and environments and in harnessing and facilitating diversification and catering to a variety of learning styles and intelligences (Howard Gardner, Theory of Multiple Intelligences). Also, it allows for more targeted and prescriptive assessment/learning and strategies.
ifeoma 1:09 pm on September 12, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I am not a teacher but I got a glimpse into differentiated learning as I had to prepare a research proposal for ETEC 500. I was completely taken in by the concept and philosophy. Poring through quite a number of research documentation, I realised that DI is garnering a lot of interest in the education industry and for good reason too. The reports from research conducted point toward improvement.
Much like the web design strategy and principle of knowing your audience and targeting content /tasks to suit their needs and goals, with data gathered in class the teacher understands the student’s needs and can better direct teaching and learning to yield more rewards. Using technology to personalise learning in my opinion, is a great way to identify the differences/uniquesness we each possess and a great positive yield /asset in education.
Everton Walker 8:46 pm on September 12, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I am definitely on board for personalized learning. Such a learning provide the context for them to discover and develop strategies to guide their own learning. I am just concern about the social aspect and the natural human to human interactions that may be absent when each student goes their own way.