Monday, February 15, 2010

Positive and Negative Experiences Using Technology

My group has experience technology in positive and negative ways. Many of our experiences were similar, and unique in other ways. For an example, our group members shared the same positive experience using technology while growing up.One positive experience that we remember is playing educational computer games while growing up. One of our group member parents always use to buy her different computer games, and since she loved playing on the computer, it made it that much more appealing and exciting. She loved being able to play games on the computer, and at the same time she was learning. She think educational computer games are a great tool to have for children. Another group member recall her first learning experience using a computer. She remembers her first V Tech computer system. Her V Tech computer taught her about math. Another one of our group member had a unique positive experience with using technology. She attended a computer camp during a summer. Attending this camp showed her exciting and interesting things that she could do on the computer, and did help her in preparing herself for using the essentials, such as Word and PowerPoint, in high school.

It was also interesting that our group shared the same negative experience with using technology. We all had a negative experience with an online class. Before taking online classes, we believed the classes would be easier because we didn't have to attend class. However, online classes were harder because of the constant email checking, lack of face to face communication, and time limits on test.We all agreed that we would rather sit in a classroom and learn than taking an online class. Technology can be beneficial and a set back sometimes.

Shantiya Gilchrist
Patricia Luberto
Danielle Coolahan
Kaitlyn Dalton

7 comments:

  1. I think using educational computer games in an elementary school classroom is a great way to enhance students learning in a fun way. Besides it allowing students to practice what they are learning, it also gives them an opportunity to use techonology and experiement with it. I definitly plan on allowing my students to use educational computer games.

    As far as online classes,I am currenty in one now and love it. I think it depends on the type of class it is and the teacher. I rarely have to check my email for that class because everything is nicely layed out on blackboard. Also, if help is needed my teacher is willingly to meet face to face. If I were the teacher of an online class, I would occasionally hold a class to meet with my students face to face. Also, I think it is very important to be available for assistance if a student is confused and needs help. I would also give my students very clear instructions that should not leave them confused.

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  2. I found your experiences very interesting, and similar to mine as well! I agree that computer games can be a great way to excite children about learning, and get them involved. There are also many sources online now that offer interactive ways to learn. Especially in science; I'm seeing more and more how helpful those sites can be.
    Online classes do vary, but I've found them challenging. I like that face to face interaction, and I think I'm also to much of a procrastinator. If someone isn't telling me I'd better start a project, I will simply leave it till the night before it's due.

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  3. I remember having a mini lap top game system as well. I would play hangman all the time. I think it's great that there are so many educational games for students to play, because they are learning and having fun.
    I agree with you all about online classes. I am having enough problems with this class because we havent met in 2 weeks. I need a lot of face to face help.

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  5. I think that educational games are a wonderful resource for children. I remember getting a vtech as a child and I loved it. I recently purchased a learning laptop for my niece and it is nice that they have these learning toys to get children used to having their own computer.

    I think as we move further into the 21st century there will be more online classes especially at the high school level. It is important to understand that an online class requires the same time commitment as a face to face class.

    Post by Michelle Richardson

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  6. I could completely relate to this groups experiences. Some of my best memories of elementary school was being able to use the computer lab to play educational games. Although many educational games seem to be directed for a younger audience, I wish that secondary education would use technology for more than just their research value. I believe that games should be a fundamental part of learning throughout ones education.
    I could also relate to the the struggles with online classes. I am currently in a Macroeconomics class online. This is a pre requisite for the MAT program and a class I certainly would not take otherwise. I thought that completing the class online would be easier. However, without interaction directly from a teacher, I believe it is much harder to know what areas are most important. I also find myself struggling when I do not understand new ideas. Even though my teacher is available through e-mails and even office time where we could meet face to face, I still find it very beneficial to be able to see a teacher on a weekly basis to clear up any concerns.

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  7. I always loved playing educational computer because I thought they were so fun without realizing that I was learning.

    I also had the same experience with an online class that I took at my community college. I took it during the summer and thought it was going to be easy but was I wrong. I had to post mulitiple things during the week and take a quiz and the end of the week. It was very hard to keep up on the work especially since it was summer.

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