Class Evaluation

This class taught me a lot just through blogging and IM. The blogging gave a chance to reflect on lessons learned and communicate with others in the class. The IM gave a chance to talk and communicate at any time someone was online. These two technologies can be used in so many ways and so many different avenues in the classroom.

Simulation and Gaming

There were a lot of things that I thought I knew about simulation and gaming. However, I learned so much more that really caught my attention. I really don't like video games, so the idea of video games in the classroom didn't sit too well with me until I read about how to incorporate it into my classroom.

LMS/LCMS

An LMS main focus is the institutional/organizational concerns of maintaing recoreds on the overall training or educational process. LCMS main focus is on the training content.Blackboard and WEBCT has both LMS and LCMS functions and it has the capabilities of using powerpoint and other technologies to assist you with the learning and teaching online

New Technolgies

I love technology and this week topic was great because I got a chance to explore some of the new technologies emerging such as wireless networks which I can be very benefical in the educational arena and the use of PDAs are becoming more widespread as technology is fastly approaching us even if we are not approaching it.

Synchronous vs Asynchronous

Synchronous tools enable real-time communication and collaboration in a "same time-different place" mode. These tools allow people to connect at a single point in time, at the same time.

Asynchronous tools enable communication and collaboration over a period of time through a "different time-different place" mode. These tools allow people to connect together at each person's own convenience and own schedule.

This was very interesting because I learned about these different types of learning and it the feedback from the other classmates.

IMs

I think IMs can be very useful in the world of education. I used IMs a lot when I first began to get technical. However, as my time is not as plentiful, I don't have the time to do it as much as I please. I see a lot of potential with using IMs in the classroom because you can have constant and instant communication with your students.

I have enjoyed working with my fellow classmates and IMing them when I am online about the class, about Walden, and about other issues we are all facing.

It has been very rewarding to use the IM and my children are also engaging in the use of IMs because again its free and easy to communicate across the world.

Educational TV

Marla:

Although I haven't taught young children for many years, I have found that using TV programs both commercial, and from the science Channel and or PBS, for adults provides the basis for group projects, and classroom discussions that are extremely beneficial. It provides the students a real-life scenario to apply the principles of sociological theory and general systems theory in and analyzing events. My perspective agrees with yours that the potential is enormous and how we utilize the technology will in the educational context is the critical factor.

Frank