What is the role of technology in the classroom?
The role of technology in the classroom is very important and aids in enhancing education. It allows students to gain perspective through various techniques that serve to enlighten them. It broadens the scope of what you can do in a classroom by introducing new and innovative ways to teaching and learning, thus encouraging creativity. It can help make resources more easily accessible to students, and help the class run more efficiently. From using computer based tutorials to clarify subject matter, or Microsoft Office for various writing, graphing, or other purposes, to course websites like the "wiki" to make course materials more accessible to students, technology truly plays a great role in the classroom.
What is the role of technology outside the classroom?
Outside the classroom, as in inside the classroom, technology plays a big role. Technology is all around us, and can be used in various forms. Technology provides practical ways in completing many tasks. It allows you to complete certain tasks more efficiently and more quickly. Technology can be used to help one relax, or be entertained, such as the use of music or the media. Technology can allow a person to work from home, if that is their choosing. Technology even lets you do things on the go (i.e. receiving emails through your phone, portable laptops, etc.). The use of technology is limitless, as it takes on different forms, completes different tasks, and essentially makes life a whole lot easier.
In what ways can these two worlds overlap? In what ways should they be avoided?
We live in a society where technology has consumed our lives. Technology is literally everywhere, so undoubtedly the role of technology inside the classroom, and the role of technology outside the classroom will cross. These worlds overlap because education does not simply occur in the classroom alone, but outside of the classroom as well. With technology you can now work on assignments from home. You can do further research on the course material you are learning in order to increase your understanding of it. If a student is asked to complete a project, technology allows them to do their project where they chose, and at their own pace. It also allows them to find various resources that can aid them with the project. While the overlapping of these worlds can have many uses, there are some things that should be avoided. With the overlapping of these worlds, proper classroom etiquette can be threatened. When one allows the outside personal use of technology to enter the classroom, it may serve as a distraction and hinder the learning atmosphere. So when choosing to overlap these worlds, it is important to set boundaries. Certain activities cannot be brought into the classroom (i.e. texting, phone calls, video chat, etc.), and when allowing assignments to be done outside the classroom, guidelines must be set to ensure that this does not become an excuse to cheat, or to procrastinate. Technology has helpful roles both inside and outside the classroom, but you must keep in mind, where, when, and how, to use it.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Learning Journal: Advertisements
AUTHORSHIP
Who made this message?
Promoters for the Wii game created this advertisement.
PURPOSE
Why was this made?
This advertisement was made to attract people to their product.
Who is the target audience (and how do you know)?
In the commercial they seem to target everyone. This is evidenced by them going from city to city, house to house, introducing this new invention to different families of different backgrounds.
ECONOMICS
Who paid for this?
The inventors of Wii funded this add.
IMPACT
Who might benefit from this message?
Gamers everywhere, who look out for the latest games would benefit from this message.
Who might be harmed by it?
Parents, whose kids see this commercial and beg them to buy the Wii and the spouses of many gamers, may be harmed financially.
Why might this message matter to me?
This message may matter to me because it lets me know of the latest game out there, and how enjoyable it could be.
AUTHORS &
AUDIENCES
RESPONSE
What kinds of actions might I take in response to this message?
This message may cause me to be so intrigued and drawn in, that I may actually go out and buy this new product.
CONTENT
What is this about (and what makes you think that)?
Based on the commercial I believe it’s about a new and exciting game that allows you to actively engage in it by just swinging a controller that goes in the motion you direct it to. Also, based on the expression of pure joy on the faces of everyone that engages in the game, it tells me that it’s fun for everyone!
What ideas, values, information, and/or points of view are overt?
Implied?
The commercial clearly shows that the game is fun, and quite exciting. It can also imply that it is a great way to bring the family together to have some fun, or even entertain a group of friends.
What is left out of this message that might be important to know?
The commercial never mentioned the cost of the game, which is a very important factor when deciding whether to purchase something. They draw you into the product first, then leave you to figure out the price later when you’ve subconsciously already decided that you want it.
TECHNIQUES
What techniques are used? Why were those techniques used? How do they communicate the message?
They have some Asian techno kind of music playing in the background, I guess to emphasize who invented the Wii, and two Asian men going from door to door introducing this new invention to everyone. I think by having them go from city to city, and from door to door, they seek to emphasize that this game can be used by anyone, and anyone can find pleasure in playing it. Also, the two guys are dressed up in business suits, and they wear sunglasses which give them this cool feel, and they look like they’re here on business, so it seems important.
MESSAGES &
MEANINGS
INTERPRETATIONS
How might different people understand this message differently?
Some people might just think it’s a scheme to get people to spend money on an unnecessary thing, while others may genuinely think that it’s a good investment. Some people may think that the Wii is best used in group settings, since in the commercial they were never just showing it to one person, while others may go past that and see that they can have fun with it even when they’re alone since it’s so engaging.
What is my interpretation of this and what do I learn about myself from my reaction or interpretation?
From the commercial, I would think that the Wii is pretty cool, and also a great way to have fun with anyone, and I do kind of want it, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to get it. Based on my reaction, I learned that I would more so like a game that requires you to be engaged as opposed to just sitting with a controller, but I also learned that I’m not so big on video games that this commercial would make me go out and buy it. (Though I really do enjoy playing on my friends Wii. It is pretty fun…)
CONTEXT
When was this made?
I’m not sure when this advertisement was made, but this particular video was posted on YouTube in April 2008. I see the same exact video posted by a different user in November 2006.
Where or how was it shared with the public?
This advertisement was shared as a commercial on numerous television stations, but was also posted on You Tube by fans who liked the commercial.
REPRESENTATIONS &
REALITY
CREDIBILITY
Is this fact, opinion, or something else?
This is definitely opinion, based on whether or not one likes video games.
How credible is this (and what makes you think that)?
What are the sources of the information, ideas, or assertions?
I think that the idea that the Wii is fun and engaging is credible based on people’s responses to the product, however it is just an opinion. Most people who commented on the You Tube post raved about the Wii.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Learning Journal 1: Expectations
a. What are your expectations for this class, for your self, your peers, your instructor?
My expectations for this class are very high. Being someone who does not know much about technology, I view this course as a great opportunity to introduce myself to various forms of technology. In a world that is continuously advancing technologically, as educators, we will be catering to a generation that will be much more tech savvy than we are, so it is very important to at least have some level of literacy regarding technology. I believe being able to learn how to integrate these things into teaching will prove very beneficial to the later generations, and will be a good tool in enhancing their education. Technology breaks down many barriers and allows things to be much more accessible, so I am hoping that this class will help me learn how to effectively use technology to meet different needs.
My goal or expectation for myself in reference to this class is to take as much from it as I possibly can. I hope to not just learn things for the purposes of this class, and for getting an 'A,' but for myself, to use and carryout outside of the classroom. For my peers, I expect that we will not hinder one another's learning experience, but rather help each other openly and respectfully when needed, so that we all get something out of this class. For my instructor, I expect that he will be patient with us as we attempt to learn new skills. I expect that our instructor will expose us to new tools that will benefit us both inside and outside of the classroom, and I expect that he will deliver these tools to us in an effective and clear manner (So far you're off to a great start!).
b. What do you want to learn in this class?
I would like to learn anything and everything possible about technology in the time given us for this class. From the basic forms of technology like Microsoft power point or excel (which really isn't that basic to me since there is so much more to it then what you see), to the more complicated ones like wiki's, lets learn it all! I would like to learn how to integrate the things we are taught into my classroom, in order to enhance the learning experiences of my future students. Since I don't know much about technology, I can't really name many specifics, but I'm willing to learn anything you are willing to teach.
c. What questions do you have?
At this present moment I have no questions, but I'm sure many will develop over the course of this class, so be ready for me! :-)
My expectations for this class are very high. Being someone who does not know much about technology, I view this course as a great opportunity to introduce myself to various forms of technology. In a world that is continuously advancing technologically, as educators, we will be catering to a generation that will be much more tech savvy than we are, so it is very important to at least have some level of literacy regarding technology. I believe being able to learn how to integrate these things into teaching will prove very beneficial to the later generations, and will be a good tool in enhancing their education. Technology breaks down many barriers and allows things to be much more accessible, so I am hoping that this class will help me learn how to effectively use technology to meet different needs.
My goal or expectation for myself in reference to this class is to take as much from it as I possibly can. I hope to not just learn things for the purposes of this class, and for getting an 'A,' but for myself, to use and carryout outside of the classroom. For my peers, I expect that we will not hinder one another's learning experience, but rather help each other openly and respectfully when needed, so that we all get something out of this class. For my instructor, I expect that he will be patient with us as we attempt to learn new skills. I expect that our instructor will expose us to new tools that will benefit us both inside and outside of the classroom, and I expect that he will deliver these tools to us in an effective and clear manner (So far you're off to a great start!).
b. What do you want to learn in this class?
I would like to learn anything and everything possible about technology in the time given us for this class. From the basic forms of technology like Microsoft power point or excel (which really isn't that basic to me since there is so much more to it then what you see), to the more complicated ones like wiki's, lets learn it all! I would like to learn how to integrate the things we are taught into my classroom, in order to enhance the learning experiences of my future students. Since I don't know much about technology, I can't really name many specifics, but I'm willing to learn anything you are willing to teach.
c. What questions do you have?
At this present moment I have no questions, but I'm sure many will develop over the course of this class, so be ready for me! :-)
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