Games and Virtual Environments

What are the benefits of using games in the classroom?

Students are immersed in all types of technology outside of the classroom; including hand-held games, computers, ipods, ipads, cell phones and much more. Why not match the student experience in the classroom in an educational way? Games can be used with educational content if educators and game developers apply the content based on standards and curriculum. It can be an excellent way to teach students how to use games appropriately instead of students going home and participating in extremely violent, inappropriate games. Computer-based games are not just for fun, they can be educational and helpful in the learning process. It is important for educators and game developers to become aware of the demand for more educational games and perhaps games can become part of new way to deliver content in the classroom.

Information found in Bitter, Gary G. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom. New York: Pearson Publishing

Emerging and Assistive Technology and the Future

In what ways are emerging technologies helping computers to mimic human capabilities?

It is amazing the ways computers and other software devices can translate human activity, especially speech recoginition. Speech recognition is used in a multitude of ways such as with phone companies and in education the use of the  programs Microsoft and Kurzweil have developed voice recognition. The capability of this type of technology will be unlimted in the future as it will be applied to cars, applicances and additional educational software.

Speech synthesis is a computers ability to duplicate sounds/words of the human voice. This technology has not reached its full potential but has the capability of impacting the lives of people who are voice-impaired. Computer speech could be used as a tool in education for special needs children.  Speech recognition and speech synthesis are emerging technologies that are continuously improving and will heavily impact society.

Technology Integration in the Content Area, Including Early Childhood, Educationally Challanged, and Multidisciplinary Units

What are the benefits of using technology across disciplines?

Implementing technology use across disciplines provides students with the experience they need in their earliest school experiences to further their education in technology-based learning. Students are able to appreciate how useful and powerful computers and all other technologies can be in their learning process and how much they can accomplish knowing how to use technology. Students learn to use technology, such as computers as a "multi-faceted tool" for educational purposes such as
-writing essays (learn typing skills)
-scientific research (how to browse and use web effectively and responsibly)
-solving mathematical problems
-and learning about any other subjects pertain to school or of their own personal interest.
Using technology across disciplines is important not only to integrate the technology standards but to help students become familiar with the modernized tools which they will inevitably have to use in their higher education as well as in their jobs or careers. It is the jobs of educators to provide students with opportunities to use these tools and to provide them the relative education they need to be prepared for real life.

Selecting and Integrating World Wide Web Resources, Including Designing Online Instruction

Why is regular maintenance vital to a quality website?

Regular maintenance is vital to a quality website given that information and ideas change daily. There are constantly new resources being added to the web and new research being done every day and new evidence being found and proven. It is crucial to have your website reflect the most current and acccurate information for the viewers.

Producing and Presenting, Including Podcasting and Digital Storytelling.

What role can Podcasting play in education?
Appearing in classrooms, schools, colleges, and universities all around the world, Podcasting is growing in popularity as it has a multitude of purposes for any person, place or topic. Having the ability to record, playback, and distribute this type of multimedia over the web makes podcasting an excellent technological resource for anyone. It can be used by teachers or professors who cannot be in the classroom or who wish to either post their lectures on the web or a personal site. Also this is an excellent way for students to playback lectures for studying purposes. Ways to develop a podcast are easily accesible and can be found online for free.


Information found in Bitter, G. & Legacy, J. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom. Pearson: Boston.

Social, Ethical, Legal and Human Issues

How does technology use contribute to social and equity issues in schools?
The main issue among technology and equity in schools is the availability of technology to all students. Not all students' and their families have access to computers or essential software for activities outside of the classroom due to poor financial situations. Another concern is that technology can cause issues in the area of equalilty based on gender. Due to research that shows males are more motivated by and dominate in technology use, it may be bias to focus classroom activites aroung technology.
The truth is, we have a "technologically oriented economy" and the more experience students gain with technology the better jobs they will obtain when they leave school and enter the 'real' world. It is important to consider the type of technology being implemented in the classroom and make sure it fits into the guidelines of being socially and equally acceptable.

Simulations and Data Analysis

What is a Simulation?
A simulation can be used to imitate real life situations or objects by using mathematical data/formulas. Simulations are used to test theories and relationships.
It is crucial for students to develop skills in using data to reason and make decisions based on processes, mathematical formulas, and problem solving. These types of skills are necessary for students to become "informed citizens and intelligent consumers" in the real world (NCTM).
It is unfortunate that teachers are reluctant to use such technology based on lack of time, skill, and/or motivation. Simulations are an excellent resource especially in the area of science given that simulations can imitate weather conditions, chemcial reactions, processes and tests. Teachers could use such simulations as curriculum extensions.