Web 2.0: Today's Technologies, Tomorrow's Learning

Web 2.0: Today's Technologies, Tomorrow's Learning
By Jennifer Groff and Jason Haas

This article discussed how MIT wanted to help implement such things such as video games and social networks into the classroom. At this moment these things are not very popular with teachers and they believe they are a very disruptive influence on the students. Social networks can benefit teachers and students, by creating communities and new ways of learning. Students can learn in a more effective way about real-world experiences through digital simulations.
One specific teacher using a program called Starlogo TNG, which is a program that shows the principles of evolution or another example the effect of a forest fire. This offers a fun way for students to learn about relevant and interesting topics pertaining to education in a creative way. this can be a great way for students to become more familiar with what they already know about technology and computers and it offers them new ways to learn more things.
It is beneficial if a teacher partners with one of their colleagues. This way they can learn from each other's experiences. Also building relationships with other teachers is a great form of networking.

Q1. Do the students get too carried away with the simulations/games they are playing?
A1. If you make them focus on the task they need to complete and what they need to learn, I believe these new programs will still keep the students focused. It is just important that you make sure the students are doing their work and are not playing with the program for too long.

Q2. Will these new programs benefit me as a teacher?
A2. I am not sure yet. I will have to experiment and ask other teachers how they feel about these types of programs. i can always try them out and be optimistic and wait to see if I see beneficial results in the way that my students are learning.