Review
The article by Jennifer Groff and Jason Haas titled “Web 2.0 for Today’s Technologies, Tomorrow’s Learning” focuses on using simulations, social networks, and digital games in the classroom. Some of the benefits from using the technology include: helping students learn, creating another outlet for communication, providing a real-world learning experience, enhancing critical thinking/ problem- solving skills, and improving decision making skills. The article discussed a high school science teacher named Hal Scheintaub who incorporated digital technology in the classroom. He used the program Starlogo to create simulations and games to demonstrate the principles of evolution or the factors in a forest fires. He also used the program Starlogo to as a way to test students. Some of the negative aspects the article addresses about digital technology include the following: having appropriate tools to support access, not having teach-directed outcomes, and students feeling uncertainty about their answers being correct. Some of the strategies for success for teachers comprise of: exploring the technologies, partnering with colleagues, and finding additional supports.
My Thoughts
The article had good resources for teachers to use digital tools in the classroom. The sites mentioned in the article are structured programs that facilitate learning. It is a different way to approach teaching content and for students to learn. It makes students have to apply the knowledge they learn by themselves or in groups. Sometimes students need to make their own conclusions and use critical thinking skills. It is not always good to get “spoon fed” all the time. The sooner students learn these skills, they will be prepared for the future. I have even noticed adults who have a hard time with using problem solving skills. I have taken several college classes and students complain when every step is not given to them. They cannot figure things out on their own.
Hass, J. & Groff, J. 2008. “Web 2.0 for Today’s Technologies, Tomorrow’s Learning” International Society for Technology in Education, 13-15.
Renece,
ReplyDeleteI think that this article is a good guideline to help facilitate the use of digital tools in the classroom. I don't think teachers should spoon feed their students because in the future they will have a hard time doing things on their own. With the use of digital tools students will have the opportunity to make their own conclusions and use critical thinkings. This in turn will help them in the future. Great response!
Amy
Hi Renece,
ReplyDeleteI think Web 2.0 really sounds like it has some good things to offer. I think we need to push kids to new bounds because the reality is, applications involved with Web 2.0 are applications they are going to see in reality as technology is constantly growing and expanding. Kids need to learn how to manage in a technological world because that's exactly what we are sending them out into.
I think the independence and confidence they will learn from using technology will tremendously aid them in the future.