After reading chapter 12, the technology with the most promise for classroom teachers is the 3D printer. Many students are visual learners who will excel by seeing and feeling diagrams or models of things they are being taught about. A quote from page 291 of chapter 12 says, "Three-dimensional printers open new possibilities for educators who want to use models of otherwise inaccessible objects such as historical artifacts, dinosaur bones, math manipulatives, and even molecules for their students to touch, examine, and manipulate." I believe the best type of technology for a classroom is technology that will allow students to experience things they otherwise would not be able to see, feel, or experience.
I noticed that the chapter had similar things to virtual reality, but not specifically things like the Oculus Rift virtual reality helmet that we interacted with at the Tech Sandbox. This product revolutionizes how students can learn in a classroom. Since field trips are expensive and sometimes a hassle to coordinate, having virtual reality software can allow teachers and students to "travel" to the place they are discussing in the lesson without actually leaving the room. This software also will allow students to travel to places that would be unrealistic or impossible. Students in a classroom in Kansas would be able to travel to a jungle in Africa. Students in a classroom in Arizona can travel to the deepest parts of the ocean. Students in South America could travel to the inside of the human body. While these field trips would be impossible to achieve in a normal classroom, they can be done with the help of virtual reality.
As outlined in the podcast, the digital divide is defined as the gap between those who have or do not have access to technology. I am, and always have been, part of the side that has had access to technology. My house has always had at least one computer and internet access. As technology has developed, I have accessed laptops, tablets, smart phones, etc. Every school I have attended has had an open computer lab for use as well. Since I have never been on the other side of the gap, I will never know first hand what it is like to not have technology. As a future educator, I need to prepare to teach to those who do have technology at home and those who are inexperienced with technology and do not have access at home. This means my assignments will need to be able to be completed without technology, so as to not favor those who do. It is also important to allow students to access and experience technology during the school day so they are being prepared to enter the world using technology to their advantage.
I agree with the fact that we, as teachers, need to make sure all students have access to computers at school because a lot of the students we will be teaching won't have any access to technology at home.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is such a huge part of todays society that it is so so so important kids know how to use it.
The virtual reality concept for classes is a great idea that I hope is fleshed out more in the future. It can take students places that they could have never imagined just by going to class. I also was in between having technology at home and not. If I did have it home, it wasn't really good or up to date. With that said, its good for students to have work that isn't always technology related.
ReplyDeleteYour idea about virtual field trips follows my exact thought process when we were in the tech sandbox. Oculus Rift is a great tool for virtual travel, I'm sure students would be thrilled to experience new places in such an immersive fashion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the 3-D printer will be very helpful while educating visual learners. They are actually able to create something online and then print it. The Oculus Rift virtual reality helmet was a really cool item. I also think that this technology would be best for virtual field trips. This technology is very helpful in eliminating the need for an entire class to go on a field trip. Also, teachers wouldn't need to get permission from parents to bring their child on a field trip. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI think 3D printed objects would made the material so much more interesting. When I took baby bio, the professor who taught the dinosaur unit always brought in bones and other artifacts and, to me, it made the information much more interesting and real
ReplyDeleteI also believe the 3D printer will revolutionize interaction with educational instruction. Many students learn better by manipulating objects rather than seeing pictures. It also allows students with sight disabilities to have greater access to educational material created specifically for them.
ReplyDeleteGrrrr! I wrote an amazing comment and gremlins hit! I'll try to summarize. You mention what I term "RCT" (Really Cool Tech). While these technologies may be faddish, don't underestimate their motivation in education. Kids will learn, research, try just about anything to get their hands on the "RCT." I worked for 10 years in a school of 92% at-risk kids. This was a while ago. But let me tell you, digital video saved my sanity! (Select all-copy-publish-exhale)
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