I Learning

eLearningUsing Interactive Internet

as an Educational Tool

By Sarah Bocik

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Article 1…Slides 3-4Article 1 Reaction…Slide 5

Article 2…Slides 6-7Article 2 Reaction…Slide 8

Article 3…Slides 9-10Article 3 Reation…Slide 11

Summary…Slide 12Reflection…Slide 12

iKnow Social Learning Platform Expands Language Support

In this article, David Nagel explores the technological advancement made available through the iKnow Social Learning program. iKnow is a user interface that allows people to interact in social networks for the purpose of educational advancement. Although this system of learning is still practically new and has not been tested thoroughly for effectiveness, the foreseen uses in the classroom are exciting. iKnow would be a great way to culturally expose kids to other parts of the world, for example.Click above to visit the website.

Nagel, D. (2008) iKnow Social Learning Platform Expands Language Suport. T.H.E. Journal. Retreived 12/1/08 from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23658

iKnow Social Learning Platform Expands Language Support

(cont)Nagel writes that the vision of the company is to, “create the first global social learning platform, one that allows people to share what they know, and learn what they want to know." It is clear that the company has great prospect on expanding and continuing to build the web-based program to encompass more information and be accessible to more people. It is exciting to think of what a teacher could do with a free resource like iKnow. Visual aids, discussion forums, blogs, videos, podcasts and more would be made available for use on any subject imaginable.

Click above to visit the website.Nagel, D. (2008) iKnow Social Learning Platform Expands Language Suport. T.H.E. Journal. Retreived 12/1/08 from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23658

iKnow Social Learning Platform Expands Language Support

Reaction

As a very interactive learner myself, I am thrilled to see a program like iKnow. It is bright, colorful, appealing, user friendly, and extremely educational. This is the type of technology that revolutionizes education! Imagine all your kids being able to actually explore other regions of the world or different land forms, rather than just reading about them in a book. Maybe they could even engage in a conversation with someone who lives in an area they are studying. iKnow brings the books to life!

Emerging Interactive Media

In this article by T.H.E. Journal, Chris Dede discusses emerging interactive media – what it is and how it is to the advantage of educators. The topic he begins with is an impressive discourse as to what, specifically, interactive media is. He states it very well:

“…types of media that are oriented towards knowledge creation, sharing, and evolution. Technologies as disparate as YouTube, broadcasting, and social justice sites, for example, are all built on the same underlying structure of community learning, despite the fact that each one's superficial characteristics look pretty different than the next. .”

Click above to visit the website.McCrea, B. (2008) FETC 2009 Presenter Profile: Chris Dede Talks Emerging Interactive Media. T.H.E. Journal. Retreived 12/1/08 from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23675

Emerging Interactive Media (cont)

Dede also explores why educators are often hesitant to use interactive media. One of the primary reasons he tackles is the educator’s fear of losing control. This can take place with the students, with the topic, or with the direction of the prepared lessons. Yet, with careful parameters set in place, this can be avoided, and the use of interactive media can greatly grow a student’s ability to comprehend the material. Interactive media is also a great way for students to communicate their comprehension of material.

Pictured above: Chris Dede speaking to educators about emerging interactive media’s use in the classroom setting

Emerging Interactive Media Reaction

I thoroughly enjoyed Dede’s article on emerging interactive media. It was by far the most informative article I’ve read of the issue. I particularly liked how he explained interactive media. Dede does a fantastic job of dispelling fears one might have concerning the use of interactive media and makes a strong case for the position that anyone can use it to benefit the educational experience of students. I found this article to be informative, engaging and very convincing.

Students Meet Up With Scientists in Antarctica and Engineers at NASA

With Videoconferencing ToolsThis article presents one of the most innovative, impressing ideas I’ve seen when it comes to interactive media. Through the use of videoconferencing, combined with emails and podcasts, students in schools from over 30 countries around the world are literally interacting with scientists, explorers, politicians and more! One great aspect of this particular media form is it engages a class collectively, which give the educator greater control of the direction and use of the technology.

Click above to visit the website.Schaffhauser, D. (2008) Students Meet Up With Scientists in Antarctica and Engineers at NASA With Videoconferencing Tools. T.H.E. Journal. Retreived 12/1/08 from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23609

In the article, Schaffhauser writes that current projects include connecting students to”

•NASA space and research centers,•Antarctica to study climate change with a scientific research team•Africa to examine democracy through the lens of United States and Ghanaian presidential elections

Students Meet Up With Scientists in Antarctica and Engineers at NASA With

Videoconferencing Tools (cont)

One example referenced in this article about how the interactive media could be used for educational purposes was of a teacher in Antarctica teaching his science class via webcam. What an amazing concept! Pending the willingness of administration, this technology opens unprecedented doors of opportunity for educators to reach their class from around the world, which, in many cases, can greatly deepen the effectiveness of the teaching.

Students Meet Up With Scientists in Antarctica and Engineers at NASA With

Videoconferencing Tools Reaction

Summary & Reflection

I found these readings on interactive media to be particularly interesting. As someone who has been a bit hesitant on using them for educational

purposes, this was very informative and helped me understand how and why they should be used. Dede’s article really opened my eyes to the need for interaction for kids in this generation to learn best. He also helped me see that controlling how students use media is my responsibility and in my control. I just have to manage it well. Finally, Negel’s information on new

interactive media forms excited me on the possibilities of using it to enhance my classes. I love when Schaffhauser helped me realize how much

interactive media could potentially change the way we view and practice education. I feel as though my mind has been opened!