Technology is getting more advanced every day. You can buy a new computer and software, then in a few months it can be outdated. With the new advancements, virtual education is becoming more of a common occurance. If every student had a laptop, then he or she could look up information about something that she or he does not understand during the lesson, not when he or she gets home. I purchased a new mini computer that weighs about five pounds. I purchased a laptop about four years ago that weighed about fifteen to twenty pounds. My new computer is a lot lighter and more compact to make for easy storage and carrying. My new computer’s battery life is double the size of my old laptop. Even though my new computer is smaller , it has more storage space than the old laptop. Because of my professional schedule, I have a travel every few weeks. I can complete all my assignments from the comfort on my hotel room. Most hotels have wireless internetor what is called WiFi (wireless fidelity), and it is standard for laptop computer to be wireless enabled. You do not have to worry with plugging your computer to a phone line.
The author’s talked about clickers in the classroom. Clinkers allow the students to choose a answer to the question. Using clickers in the classroom could allow the teacher to make sure that all the students understand the materials. Because the teacher is getting instant feedback from the students, she or he can modify the lesson to make sure that everyone understands the lesson. The responses are anonymous from the other students, so evertone can feel confident enough to answer the questions. The shy students do not have to worrying about raising his or her hand to answer questions.
Virtual environment is a combination of hardware and software that when combined can create a digtial environment where you can interact with others. Students can use virtual environment to look at all angles of an object without actually having to have the object in his or her hands. The possiblities are limited only by imagination of the teachers and the students. By using the virtual world students can learn about things that they were never able to learn before. A social studies student can examine an ancient artifact from Ancient Middle East. Or a science student can conduct an experiment on the computer without using fire and chemicals. By conducting experiments on the computer instead of in a lab with the actual chemicals, the school with also save money.
Blog Reflection Week Ten (Website)
14 years ago
I agree with everything you said. I remember my first laptop and how much it weighed. Now that it is time for me to get a new 'Grown Up' laptop, I am considering a Mac. I heard they were extremely light. I do not know much about the mini computers. Do you have to have a package or plan with a cell phone company? Are certain features not available on it that would be available on other laptops?
ReplyDeleteAs for the clickers, they are great. However, they can be pricey. Promethean has some great ones called Activotes. They also offer ActivExpressions. The ActiVotes look like little eggs and students can answer multiple choice questions. The ActivExpressions are the next level. Students can still answer the multiple choice questions, but they can also answer open-ended questions. They are neat. If you get a chance to play with them, you'll like them. If you ever want to see the ActiVotes and Promethean board, you are welcomed to come visit me at work. I think you'd enjoy them.
This virtual reality is quite interesting. I have been a SIMs fan for years. At the MECA conference, I went to a session on something called 'Second Life'. Have you heard of it? It was kind of interesting, but it was a little over what I think my elementary students would benefit from. However, the presenter talked about how students could get together and listen to a speaker from another country. I thought that was great.
Great job in reflecting and commenting. Cora, you need to separate your paragraphs so as to read easily.
ReplyDelete