Reflective Essay 2

 
I think the thing that intrigues me (if that’s even the right word) most is the fact the research studies we read said that  more research is needed to determine the impact of the technology on student learning. No one research article made a better case than another in terms of student learning. Studies were done and charts and graphs were made, yet these studies reveal that more research is needed. We know that using technology in the classroom has a huge impact on student motivation and engagement- yet we don’t know how much more students are learning when technology is part of the classroom experience.

One of my questions at the beginning of the course dealt with document cameras. I did not come across anything within the confines of this course that discussed its use and place in education. I did do some of my own reading and researching on document cameras before I decided on a topic for my own research summary. I was pleased to see that document cameras are being used in classrooms all over the country as a valuable tool for presenting information and visuals to students.

 
Research studies are not always reliable. Sometimes people take the results of their research and twist or skew the results to project a more favorable outcome. This frustrates me. It is very important to check into the sources that were used to determine whether or not research studies are reliable sources of information.

Both Twitter and Second Life were new to me this semester. It had never occurred to me to use Twitter before. Some of my friends have it and use it religiously. Once I got the account for class I had to remind myself to sign in and use it. I think I’ve made a total of eleven tweets- six of which were replies to friends and fellow users. Most of my tweets expressed my love of a fun food- nothing serious. I do think that Twitter has a place in higher education, but definitely not for an elementary school student (or teacher for that matter). Second Life has been interesting. I will admit that I am turned off by the idea of using it. I had a very hard time navigating the interface and completing basic functions. I do not see it as something that I will keep on my computer once the course is over. I wonder if this is where distance education is truly heading and I am curious to see how our last class meeting goes in Second Life this Monday. Regardless of my feelings about it, I am glad I had the opportunity to check it out and use it.