EDU 6215 Article Review

EDU 6215 Article Review


Crotty. J (2012) Distance Learning Has Been Around Since 1892, You Big MOOC
from http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesmarshallcrotty/2012/11/14/distance-learning-has-been-around-since-1892-you-big-mooc/


Summary:
This article discusses the fact that distance learning isn't just some new fad, and that Distance Learning has been around for quite some time.  It first began with the use of the U.S. Postal Service to share educational materials, and course correspondence.  Distance Learning then turned to the use of tools such as television, and radio broadcasts.  More recently it has evolved online in the form of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC's).  With the use of the internet,  the student population has exploded.  Most Universities have some form of online instruction, and as educational technology changes so will distance learning.


Reflection:
As I reflect on the article, I relate it to the screencasts I recently created for my elementary staff.  I created a tutorial on how to write up a conduct referral through a program called e-school.  After finishing this tutorial, I realized how valuable it can be in other areas.  Screencasting is a tool I can use in physical education.  I would use this tool as supplemental education.  I could share videos related to what we are doing in P.E., and offer instruction outside the classroom.  Parents could go online with their students, and watch a screencast of a lesson I created.  With the advances in educational technology I feel it is important as educators to stay current, and to reach out to our students outside the classroom.  Continuing the educational process outside of the school setting can be a value tool for parents, teachers, and students.

How Tech Has Changed Student Life

Smith, C. (2014) How Tech Has Changed Student Life. Retrieved fromhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/student-life/11256382/How-technology-has-changed-student-life.html

In this article Smith goes into the topic of how technology is changing the life of students.  He begins by telling a story about  having dinner with his mom.  His mom is struggling to remember an actor's name.  Smith takes out his smart phone and within seconds has the answer.  That sparks a conversation about how life is much easier on students these days.  While Smith eventually concedes with the notion that his mom might be right, he starts to compare his generation to older generations.  Both generations have libraries and schools, but the new generation has far more educational benefits on hand.  Just look at the ability to continue the learning and communication process once students leave the classroom.  Students can communicate with educators via e-mail and twitter.  Students can buy books online by picking up their phones and pressing a few buttons.  No need to walk down to bookstore anymore.  College students have the ability to look for housing all in one place all on one application.  The possibilities are endless to improve the life of a student.

I completely agree with Smith and his thoughts on the subject, but with technology comes technical issues.  Technology can make our lives easier, but there are also negatives that come along with technology.  There's always a con to the pro.  It becomes a balancing act.  We should use of technology to improve our lives, but don't let it take away the experience.  Technology shouldn't be the end all be all.  Technology should merely be a way to enhance or improve our lives.  I'm very excited to have started this Masters program in Educational Technology.  Just in the last 4 days I've realized how far behind the times I am.  I haven't done a good job of staying ahead of the curve, in fact I feel like i'm behind the curve.

Here's a Link to the article.  Enjoy!

Slow motion and video replay in Physical Education.

Hendry, E. (2014) How Technology is Changing the Way Athletes Train. Retrieved fromhttp://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/how-technology-is-changing-the-way-athletes-train-180949633/?no-ist


In this article Hendry refers to athletes at the Olympic level.  Hendry opens with the US and Canadian bobsled teams and how they've turned to the use of technology to advance and change the way athletes train.  The old way of collecting data by using numerous computers and cameras to record bobsled runs is over.  Just the logistics of coaches having to travel great distances to meet with and consult athletes has changed.  Now with new applications like Ubersense they use less equipment and have data and information within minutes instead of hours or days.  Ubersense is an application that can be used on many devices to record any number of events for example a bobsled run.  iPads can be setup along the course  to record data, and by the end of the run athletes can begin to make adjustments.  All an athlete needs to do is login on their phone.  Hendry also goes onto discuss the use of other tech gadgets like gps trackers and heart monitors.  Coaches and athletes now have access to so much data at the click of a button.

Hendry is trying to get the news out there that this type of technology is available to a wide range of athletes.  This technology can be used by high school athletes, collegiate athletes, or professional athletes.  If there for any athlete looking to improve or gain an edge on the competition.

This type of technology is something I've used not only at the high school level, but at the elementary level.  It can be a simple as having a student perform the mechanics of throwing. Now you bring that student to the tablet and let them watch.  We all have an idea in our head of how we look when we throw a ball, but you never really know until you actually see yourself do it.  What's even better is breaking it down in slow motion.  The footwork, angle of the elbow, or the release point.  These are nuances I may not see in full speed.  This tool can be very helpful to coaches and teachers.  I look forward to more advancements in the field of sports sciences.

Here's a Link to the article.

Students appreciate the effort.

Brenmar, K. (2015) My Favorite Teachers Use Social Media: A Student Perspective. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/04/22/my-favorite-teachers-use-social-media-a.html

As I sift through many articles on the internet about technology in the classroom, I stumble across an article written by Katie Brenmar a recent high school freshmen. It's titled "My Favorite Teachers Use Social Media: A Student Perspective."  Brenmar talks about the excitement of becoming a freshmen, and all the expectations that go along with it.  She soon realizes how consuming that social media can be for high school student.  How there is a need to always be connected and well liked by peers.  School is often a topic of discussion, but it eventually it gives way to talk about social media.  Brenmar also refers to the two topics rarely intertwining.  Brenmar basically has a desire for teachers to use social media as a way to connect with and engage students.

As I read through the article a few things stick out to me.  She uses words like road block and addictive to describe social media.  As a teacher I would tend to agree.  While I think that social media has a place in education it can also be a hurdle.  It's our job to take that hurdle and turn it into a challenge for the students.  I know it's just one students take on social media, but it sounds like maybe using social media or any technology for that matter might be a great way to reach these kids.

Lets face it, it's called social media and not educational media for a reason.  If educators can just get into that social media world for a little bit a day, we can keep this generation of students engaged in the learning process a little bit longer.  Katie also talked about teachers being relatable.  As educators we have to know our audience.  We have to relate to this generation.  Now I don't consider myself to be old and behind the times, but so much has changed in the last 10 years.  I guess it's get on the bus or get left behind.  Get on the bus, the students will appreciate it.