My Personal Learning Space!

In a commentary titled ‘Why Games?’ researchers had a question and answer time with some students and in this they found a relationship between why students like to play computer games and how their benefits can be applied in education. Students that were interviewed enjoyed playing games because they were engaging, immersive, provided motivation, required analytical thinking, communication and collaboration.

I found this statement to be really interesting. What games require, should be what teachers also require. What games provide, should be what teachers also provide. If teachers could only harness these great qualities in computer games and use them in the classroom, I think that these digital natives may be more interested in formal education.

In a commentary entitled ‘Interactive Whiteboards: Boon or Boondoggle?‘ ed-tech experts debate whether interactive whiteboards are worth the investment in American schools (30% of schools already having access to interactive whiteboards). The debaters stated that pace of lessons were improving, engagement from students improved, along with teacher preparation. In Britain, a larger percent of classrooms have access to interactive whiteboards, however it is argued that the teachers are not using them to their fullest potential.

Another point raised in this article which I thought was really valid was what you are getting for your money when schools purchase interactive whiteboards. While initially the whiteboards are expensive, teachers found that money was being saved as they no longer needed to buy textbooks or manipulative’s as the interactive whiteboard replaced these needs.

I think as we’re moving into a more technological age, items such as the interactive whiteboard will improve learning, however I question how much teacher-student engagement is being lost along with teacher credibility? I still think they are very valuable, I would just like to learn more before I am sold on the idea!