Educational Computer Software

I think that there is something that can be valued from each of the different types of educational software that we experienced in class.

In the drill/tutoring category, I was really impressed with Brainpop. The overall presentation of the site and how it works was very easy and very impressive. It seems that the movies and activities that are on Brainpop aren't extremely in depth with information, but can be used as a good introduction to a topic or unit. The website movies are a good way to captivate students and keep their attention. Having students watch a movie short on a topic to introduce it and then have them complete the quizzes and activities that follow is a great way to make the student develop some general knowledge on their own. After that has taken place, the teacher can then discuss the topics in depth.

In the teacher directed category, web quests seemed to be a decent option. Although teachers must be mindful of how their web quests are created because they can become way too involved or incorporate aspects that stray from the point. As a teacher, I would only attempt to utilize web quests if I had a strong grasp on computer and internet knowledge such as using html. Web quests can also be very student inquiry based, but i don't think that they will be as effective as a teacher guiding the students through a web quest. For instance, I would develop a web quest with specific instructions on where to go to find exactly what it the kids need to learn and understand in order to be able to complete the knowledge requirement that I have laid out. With too much leeway students will waste time, easily fall off track.

As for the student inquiry side of education, I am all for it. The reason I like this is because of my own learning style. I find that I can sit in class all day, and read the book, but I don't really learn something until I am forced to do it myself. That is when I have to apply myself. In a student inquiry situation such as figuring out how to use the Etoys program, we were forced to investigate every way possible by messing around to complete the goals outlined. When using this type of inquiry I think it is really important for the teacher to have very well defined goals. This will keep students focused and on task. It is also important that the teacher is knowledgeable and there to assist, because I know I may not have been able to figure out some of the quirks of the software without Professor Davis' help.

Media Use of Children Aged 8 to 18

The amount of time that children 8 - 18 years old spend using media is disturbing, but it doesn't surprise me one bit, because I am 29 and I use it just as much if not more. When i really think about it, there may be days where I am completely immersed in media from the time I wake up in the morning until the time I go to sleep. I wake up to the radio, then I work out with the television on. I shower with music usually playing. I then jump on the computer to work. When I have to go somewhere, I have my cellphone with me as well as my iPod that has music and video on it. Most places I end up in have televisions or radios going. When I go to class, we are usually taught using projectors and I have my computer with me for taking notes. Wow, this is crazy now that I really think about. I feel kind of gross now, like I need to take a shower or something or go run into the woods screaming.

It's interesting looking at the statistics of television and computer use. I think that as time goes on, that the trend will change to more computer use, but on a mobile platform. The iPad is testament to this. Once everyone starts embracing the personal traveling media companion that these types of devices are, then people will be everywhere messing around on the internet, texting/emailing, watching movies, reading, etc. The idea is that all this technology will get wrapped into one extremely convenient device that all of use will have. Well all of us who fall for the mainstream media gadgetry. I have to admit that I was the last one of all the people I knew besides my parents that got a cell phone, but I eventually did. Ever since then, it's been down hill.

As far as teaching goes in regards to this media boom. It's obvious that to keep these kids of the future engages, that I will have to incorporate different types of technology into the classroom. Whether it's power point presentation, having the students use computers/internet for projects and research, or utilizing films, the students may otherwise wander off unless engaged by some technological media. The media will be something that the kids will identify with more than chalk on a chalk board or normal human conversation with what these trends are saying. So if this is what I will have to do to get through to the majority of these kids, then so be it.