Journal #9 Web 2.0 Today's Technologies, Tomorrow's Learning

Groff, J., & Haas, J. (2008, September/October). Web 2.0 today's technologies, tomorrow's learning. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/SeptemberOctoberNo2/L_L_September_October_2008.htm

http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/SeptemberOctoberNo2/L_L_September_October_2008.htm



More amazing technology! Not only social networking, but interactive games and simulations are being used in today's classes. Eric Klopfer defines games as "purposeful, goal-oriented, rule-based activity that the players perceive as fun." This is a great way for children to learn. When children are actively participating in a classroom game and learning is happening, all aspects of school are being engaged. Digital games are becoming part of the classroom as well. Ayiti: The Cost of Life is a game that students are introduced to a family and have to calculate all their expenses and make decisions for the family. Through this students learn about decision making and life expenses. Another idea for the class is to have a social network set up. Students would be able to access this either at school or at home and allows them to communicate with other students regarding class assignments as well as ask the teacher questions.

How could I implement a simulation game in class?

Engaging students in learning is absolutely a must. Innovative technology that can be used to do this should be used without question. Teaching about other cultures out of a book would not have the same affect as seeing that culture and where they come from or making decisions for a family within this culture and witnessing the affects of the decisions. Creating real life situations is sometimes the best way to make the biggest impact on learning.

How would a teacher acquire the tools for simulations?

The teacher could contact the district's technical support person and inquire about how to go about finding the equipment that is needed. Hopefully the school already has computers, then it's just learning how to use them to access the websites that are reccommended for simulation learning.