I remember learning Polya’s problem solving methodologies in
an undergrad theories class. We learned that you must understand the problem, use
problem solving strategies, and check the results. However, when we present a
problem to students, we already know the answer or have a few acceptable
answers in our head, these are structured problems. “Real life- the social,
economic and political world that teachers are preparing students to enter-
rarely has well-structured problems” (Page 160). In today’s world there are
many more tools and strategies that we can use that were not available in a
world without technology. Computers open so many doors for our students. The
textbook spoke about a simulation game named River City. This game seemed a
little complicated, branching into math, science, economic, social, and
research. This made me think of many simulation games I used to play. One of
the websites that was very popular when I was in elementary school was Neopets.
On this site you had to take care of your pets and you had to make money. You
had to use this money to buy food for them to eat, clothing and weapons to make
them stronger, and bath and beauty items to keep them clean. This required
knowing how much money that you had and how much you could spend. Two of the
great features of the website were the bank and stock market. These taught
elementary aged children how money grows in a bank, and in the stock market,
how to buy stocks, and watch them to grow your money.
I think that many people who have not grown up using
technology in their daily lives can see it as being anti-social. They come from
a generation where sending a letter to a friend was a great way of
communicating, and feel that today we aren’t as personal. However there are two
new forms of communication that came about with new technology. “Synchronous
communications occur in real time, as with cell phone conversations or text
message exchanges. Individuals converse as if face to face; there is little to
no wait time for a reply to statements” (Page 188), “Asynchronous
communications involve a time delay, as with email messages, online
discussions, or blogs. Communicators wait for replies to their statements,
although the usual time lag is dramatically shorter than for a letter or
postcard sent through postal mail” (Page 188). Technology can help teachers communicate even
better with the students and families. The teacher can remind students of
assignments as well as send links to extra material. The teacher can also email
parents any important information as well as status reports for the student.
Questions:
What are some new problem solving strategies and tools now
available because of new advances in technology?
Have you ever played a simulation game? Did it feel like
work? What do you think you learned?
Since I am using asynchronous communication, do you think
this form of communication is anti-social, or less personal than writing a
letter or discussing the information in person with you?
The River City game actually made me think about games I played back in school as well. Mostly games such as Sim City or other simulation/building games. I do think that games like this help with the problem-solving strategies in children because the answers aren't always obvious. As it was mentioned in the book, with River City students need to collect information and conduct experiments in order to figure out what the right answer is. I think that games like this help push students to think more and try different ways at getting to the answer.
ReplyDeleteThats is a great point you brought up when you said, "I think that many people who have not grown up using technology in their daily lives can see it as being anti-social. They come from a generation where sending a letter to a friend was a great way of communicating, and feel that today we aren’t as personal." Whenever I go see my grams and I am on my phone she says I am being anti-social. That is where you can see a clear difference in the generations in terms of the technology. I told my grams some boy send me a nice email and she pulls out an old school love letter from my grandpa from year ago. So i think technology has many dvantages but just as many disadvantages.
ReplyDeleteHi Raeann,
ReplyDeleteYou stated that " Technology can help teachers communicate even better with the students and families. The teacher can remind students of assignments as well as send links to extra material." That is a very important point because the text discussed the use of technology allowing learning to take place long after the school day has ended. The access to various links would be beneficial to students.
To answer your last question , I don't think that it is antisocial, I think every time period in history calls for different things. Within this digital age , communicating via email and commenting on blogs has definitely been a rising mode of communication , especially within academia. I also think there should be a balance of both, in which case a person can have an in-person discussion, as well as being able to communicate and express their thoughts via email, blogs etc.