Digital Badge #C- Chapter 3

 Digital Badge #C- Chapter 3

By: Allie Sofos

    This chapter was titled "Transforming Learning with Unique and Powerful Technology" and I found it very informative. This chapter introduced me to many methods in which I could utilize education through technology. The section "Online Problem-Solving Environments" made me aware of the usefulness educational games can serve in my classroom. The section goes onto state that educational games on computers utilize student's critical thinking skills and stimulated understandings. When I was a kid I used to play these games in school, I'm sure they were a lot less advanced back then but it was always my favorite part of the day when we were able to go into the computer lab and have time to do these activities. It is a fun way for children to learn without them feeling as if they are being taught. I like the 3 primary characteristics that go into solving problems in an online learning environment. First, students use computers to do what they cannot easily do on paper. Second, students encounter types of problems that occur in the real world. Third, students integrate knowledge of technology with academic content. These are all very important for students to experience and it can all be done with an online learning environment. 

     Another secretion I found myself connecting with was "The Role of Feedback." This subject expresses the importance of feedback from instructor to student when it comes to the students success. Without positive reinforcement it may be hard for the student to continue to motivate his/herself. The thing about technology that is so great is it gives you rapid feedback. When you complete a problem correctly in an online game or on a virtual worksheet most of the time you get a "good job" or "fantastic." For example in my mathematics class I use a program called MyMathLabsPlus. In this program we have homework and every time we get a problem right the computer will pop up with a box that usually contains encouraging words. Feedback is crucial for educators because children, especially younger ones, thrive on making those around them proud.

    The last section I want to touch on was the section titled "Active Learning." This subject talked about the method of hands-on learning, or learning by doing. In this type of learning students are actively involved in their own educational process. It is crucial that more teachers practice Active Learning and stray away from the standardized tests and reading from a text book method that was a thing of the past. Technologies can play a huge role in active learning since there are so many tools that will help teachers make it possible. Allowing students to be a part of their education and what they learn is proven to be a more successful way of teaching. Technologies can help this goal be achieved.

   In conclusion I enjoyed this chapter, like the last two it had me thinking about things I hand't ever thought about before. I would like to end my post with a photo that I saw that I thought was very relevant to where education, and the rest of society, is headed when it comes to technology.

Photo Credit: Scott Mcleod on Flickr

 Resources:
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.