journal entry #8

For the last journal entry I chose the article titled "Web 2.0 Today's Technologies, Tomorrow's Learning" written by Jennifer Groff and Jason Haas. This article discusses the cross purposes of new technologies such as digital games, simulations, and social networking. Networking tool such as Ning allow you to create private social networking for a class where students can extend their classroom assignments and discussions into forums. Digital learning games can make education learning and exciting because kids love computer games even if there are learning programs. 

Questions:1). What kind of online software can be used to inspire learning? There are tons, many more than you would think. A program that I remember from when i was younger is the Oregon trail. The program was fun and educational. 

2). What are some examples of computer based social networking? Facebook, Myspace, Wikis, and Ning are some examples of social networking.  

journal entry #7

For our last week of class we were allowed to choose our own article relating to technology to journal about. The first one I chose is called "How does Technology Influence Student Learning" by John Cradler, Mary McNabb, Molly Freeman, and Richard Burchett. The article is broken down into 3 main ideas of how technology has influenced learning including: Achievement in content area learning, Higher- order thinking and problem solving skill development, and Workforce preparation. Studies have been performed and documented on students understanding of mathematics concepts from educational software. Teachers have reported magnificent changes in students skills of language arts and social studies after their students multimedia projects. 

Questions:1). How can the computer software Inspiration help students in the classroom? Inspiration  is intended to help students visual learning skills and is used in a variety of subjects. Most students, including myself, are visual learners and need to have diagrams/ charts/ representations in front of them a lot of times for them to truly understand the subject or idea. 

2). How can the internet develop students critical thinking skills? The CAST study has found that when students use the Internet to research topics, share information, and complete a final project they became independent critical thinkers. The Internet allows students to look at all sides of a story or subject and then they in turn can decide for themselves and choose what they want to believe.