http://metalib.fcla.edu/V/DCJYP57A7256FGV17HY6AYYQLXS54KM54QK362BKS2K61SHHGC-01018?func=quick-3-next&set-entry=000001
Taking the Initiative
This article covers the first three generations of immersive education.
Immersive education is exploring 3D imaging environments and playing
interactivve learning games. All of this can be done in collaboration with
students across the city or the world. Another cool aspect is that the students
themselves can produce their own learning environment like the example of the
Boston Tea Party reinactment.
As a former special education teacher, I can see how effectively these new learning
environments could stimulate a student and reach more of their learning styles. The
collaboration aspect is another part of special education students need for
interpersonal skills practice. The author points out that some teachers would disapprove
of these learning environments because they may seem too much like games that
students play at home. Careful linking to curriculum objectives would be necessary
as well as time management skills for students. I personally like this form of education
because I believe it would reach certain students and, once finished with designing their
own environment, it would be a learning tool for others to use and learn by. Also, please
note that this article was published in the fall of 2008. These more up to date articles
more accurately represent current technology use in education. PBS is doing its part by developing a 3-D game to teach pre-Algebra skills with the game Labyrinth through Thinkport. There is professional development training for teachers to learn the game environment classroom use as well as keepiing track of students progress. Some teachers like to use the software in their own classroom or suggesting to students that they play from home.
References
Donelan, J. (2008). Taking the initiative. Computer Graphics World, 31(10), 40-44.
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This seems like a really great idea for the classroom. I think that games like this can be very helpful to students. I know this is a terrible example seeing that you're talking about modern 3-D simulations, but I'm playing Oregon Trail with my 8th graders tomorrow. I hope they get a kick out of what the old games used to look like and hopefully learn something about the actual Oregon Trail. Students are more interested in the content if they are interested in the delivery of the lesson. Seems like PBS is again providing a great tool to be used in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteSuper Cool Stuff! As someone who has also worked with students with special needs, this tool would be very useful and really engage the students. I feel like the reinactment of the Boston Tea Party would really help teach them something about the event in history. This is a very difficult event to teach and being able to watch and see would help increase the understanding.
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