Comments for Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et Educational Technology ~ Ray Schroeder, editor ~ University of Illinois at Springfield Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:37:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Where is Social Media Taking Education? by Michael James http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2746&cpage=1#comment-4120 Michael James Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:37:26 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2746#comment-4120 I took several online and e-learning classes when I went back to work on my Masters. I like to think I'm pretty progressive, compared to some of my peers, but the overall learning experience wasn't as near as fruitful for me. I gained a lot of knowledge, but not being able to interact with other students, I feel, kept me from gaining a lot of wisdom that comes from experience. I know this issue will die down as my generation of "old-timers" fades into the sunset, but I hope those like yourself that are driving the direction of online learning try to preserve or capture the element of peer interaction. I took several online and e-learning classes when I went back to work on my Masters. I like to think I’m pretty progressive, compared to some of my peers, but the overall learning experience wasn’t as near as fruitful for me. I gained a lot of knowledge, but not being able to interact with other students, I feel, kept me from gaining a lot of wisdom that comes from experience. I know this issue will die down as my generation of “old-timers” fades into the sunset, but I hope those like yourself that are driving the direction of online learning try to preserve or capture the element of peer interaction.

]]> Comment on Apple iPad Awaits Back-To-School Boom by Austin Apartments http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2760&cpage=1#comment-3961 Austin Apartments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:01:45 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2760#comment-3961 It's remarkable how far technology has progressed since I was a kid. My two year old is going to be using a tablet computer when he gets to grade school and it wouldn't surprise me if every kid was issued one by the school in the next few years. It’s remarkable how far technology has progressed since I was a kid. My two year old is going to be using a tablet computer when he gets to grade school and it wouldn’t surprise me if every kid was issued one by the school in the next few years.

]]> Comment on Pondering Digital Learning by John Vilento http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2775&cpage=1#comment-3680 John Vilento Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:16:22 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2775#comment-3680 Its probably the most important thing. Technology just helps and develops so much children logic. Its probably the most important thing. Technology just helps and develops so much children logic.

]]> Comment on Study Shows Technology Boosts Performance for Educators and Students by Ty Wahlbrink http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2618&cpage=1#comment-3611 Ty Wahlbrink Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:08:33 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2618#comment-3611 As a student, I agree with the findings of this study. Technology use in the classroom and outside the classroom definitely augment the learning process and increases interest. Sometimes, it can seem that teachers making students do research at the library is just their way of making students go through what they had to, since that form of research seems so outdated. As Such, there is often the situation where the educator is not quite knowledgeable with the right technologies to apply in a given setting. Perhaps the greater emphasis on the use of the right technology would also need to come hand in hand with upgraded teacher education? Just my two cents. Ty Wahlbrink As a student, I agree with the findings of this study. Technology use in the classroom and outside the classroom definitely augment the learning process and increases interest. Sometimes, it can seem that teachers making students do research at the library is just their way of making students go through what they had to, since that form of research seems so outdated. As Such, there is often the situation where the educator is not quite knowledgeable with the right technologies to apply in a given setting. Perhaps the greater emphasis on the use of the right technology would also need to come hand in hand with upgraded teacher education? Just my two cents.

Ty Wahlbrink

]]> Comment on Ball State Students Create Historical Video Game by Joshua 619 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2556&cpage=1#comment-3567 Joshua 619 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 03:17:27 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2556#comment-3567 As someone who grew up playing Oregon Trail in school on Apple II computers, I always like it when a new, interesting, edutainment title comes out. The game is very well designed, and actually quite fun. I enjoyed playing it even though I'm probably two decades older than the target audience. And as someone involved in higher education, I have to say it is always great to see collaboration between two departments that are often very fair apart on a university's organizational chart. As someone who grew up playing Oregon Trail in school on Apple II computers, I always like it when a new, interesting, edutainment title comes out. The game is very well designed, and actually quite fun. I enjoyed playing it even though I’m probably two decades older than the target audience. And as someone involved in higher education, I have to say it is always great to see collaboration between two departments that are often very fair apart on a university’s organizational chart.

]]> Comment on Is the iPad Ready To Replace the Printed Textbook? by Sapphire_Doe http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2536&cpage=1#comment-3565 Sapphire_Doe Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:46:20 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2536#comment-3565 I like the idea of electronic textbooks, but I feel that it's important to continue to publish the printed textbooks as well. Not every student may have internet access at home or be able to afford an iPad (which may have to be replaced every so often). Also, some students may read better with using a tangible book rather than something that is electronic. . .vertical vs. horizontal reading (positioning of text). While the iPad could be positioned in different ways, it still may not satisfy those who prefer a book. Some people are anti-technology, and some seem like a fish out of water with technology, which may make it more difficult for students. Personally, I would like to use an electronic textbook because I'm able to absorb what I read faster by reading on a computer screen (vertical reading), and I'm able to read faster. Also, I could have google opened in another window and do a quick search on anything that I don't understand (I could find videos, written examples, and so on). In the end, I think it's best to keep the options open and provide the textbooks in both formats to meet the preferences of everyone. I like the idea of electronic textbooks, but I feel that it’s important to continue to publish the printed textbooks as well. Not every student may have internet access at home or be able to afford an iPad (which may have to be replaced every so often). Also, some students may read better with using a tangible book rather than something that is electronic. . .vertical vs. horizontal reading (positioning of text). While the iPad could be positioned in different ways, it still may not satisfy those who prefer a book. Some people are anti-technology, and some seem like a fish out of water with technology, which may make it more difficult for students. Personally, I would like to use an electronic textbook because I’m able to absorb what I read faster by reading on a computer screen (vertical reading), and I’m able to read faster. Also, I could have google opened in another window and do a quick search on anything that I don’t understand (I could find videos, written examples, and so on). In the end, I think it’s best to keep the options open and provide the textbooks in both formats to meet the preferences of everyone.

]]> Comment on Idaho schools task force gets glimpse of the future by Amy619 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2543&cpage=1#comment-3564 Amy619 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:08:43 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2543#comment-3564 I think that this is a very interesting concept, in that all of the current research seems to be talking about engaging the learner and connecting with students interests. Well student interests are games, so why not try to come up with a way to integrate that into the classroom. I do not think I agree in that gaming concepts such as this should be the end all in the classroom, but it could most definitely be used as another form of assessment that is not so standardized. If the goal is to create life long learners who have a hunger for knowledge then we as teachers should be trying everything in our power to co-connect our curriculum with contemporary interests of students such as gaming. I think that this is a very interesting concept, in that all of the current research seems to be talking about engaging the learner and connecting with students interests. Well student interests are games, so why not try to come up with a way to integrate that into the classroom. I do not think I agree in that gaming concepts such as this should be the end all in the classroom, but it could most definitely be used as another form of assessment that is not so standardized. If the goal is to create life long learners who have a hunger for knowledge then we as teachers should be trying everything in our power to co-connect our curriculum with contemporary interests of students such as gaming.

]]> Comment on College? There’s an App for That: How USC Built a 21st Century Classroom by Richard D. Cassella http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2476&cpage=1#comment-3543 Richard D. Cassella Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:22:54 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2476#comment-3543 I am a grad of the MAT@USC. I believe this platform should be the standard for future online classrooms. USC blends their on-campus traditions with the power of social media to create well prepared students. We know our degree is well respected (#14 in Education). I am a grad of the MAT@USC. I believe this platform should be the standard for future online classrooms. USC blends their on-campus traditions with the power of social media to create well prepared students. We know our degree is well respected (#14 in Education).

]]> Comment on Change the Future of Special Education? There’s an App for That by Sapphire_Doe http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2442&cpage=1#comment-3522 Sapphire_Doe Mon, 30 May 2011 19:21:34 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2442#comment-3522 After reading the linked article, I feel that the use of these kinds of technology may be a great idea, as long as there isn't a total dependence on them. At the same time, finding a way to get through to the students with learning disabilities, etc., and help them learn the material they need to know. . .hey. . .if it works, use it! I love that they're paying attention to finding ways to cater to the learning styles and abilities of each student! I wish my schools did this when I was younger, because I had a huge difficulty with math! . . .It turns out that it isn't that I can't do math, it wasn't taught in a way that included or focused on my learning style. I really hope all of these new ideas and technology helps! After reading the linked article, I feel that the use of these kinds of technology may be a great idea, as long as there isn’t a total dependence on them. At the same time, finding a way to get through to the students with learning disabilities, etc., and help them learn the material they need to know. . .hey. . .if it works, use it! I love that they’re paying attention to finding ways to cater to the learning styles and abilities of each student! I wish my schools did this when I was younger, because I had a huge difficulty with math! . . .It turns out that it isn’t that I can’t do math, it wasn’t taught in a way that included or focused on my learning style. I really hope all of these new ideas and technology helps!

]]> Comment on Now is the time to consider expanding curricula in science, technology by Sapphire_Doe http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2354&cpage=1#comment-3453 Sapphire_Doe Mon, 16 May 2011 13:20:37 +0000 http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=2354#comment-3453 I agree. . .the science, technology, math, etc. curricula needs to be expanded and updated, perhaps even combining them. The world today is only increasing in demand for these skills and needs, and for students to become productive members of society one day, and give them the highest opportunity for success, they need to be taught these skills (updated) in order to do so. It's important for schools, as being the ones responsible for educating the next generation, to give them the most advanced, cutting-edge education possible in order to not only land them good jobs in the future, but also to keep our country as developed and relevant as it is in the world. It all starts somewhere, and it should start as early as elementary school. I agree. . .the science, technology, math, etc. curricula needs to be expanded and updated, perhaps even combining them. The world today is only increasing in demand for these skills and needs, and for students to become productive members of society one day, and give them the highest opportunity for success, they need to be taught these skills (updated) in order to do so. It’s important for schools, as being the ones responsible for educating the next generation, to give them the most advanced, cutting-edge education possible in order to not only land them good jobs in the future, but also to keep our country as developed and relevant as it is in the world. It all starts somewhere, and it should start as early as elementary school.

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