Video games are a great platform. I use to play video games as a kid in the 80's and loved my Nintendo and Sega. Thinking about those games, many games in back in the 80's had a message. Some were about violence and just plain good interface design. Some games really had good messages like environmental issues, civics of taking care of places and people, and some even just about the betterment of mankind.
Simulators are a great example of this type of civic engagement. We have today video games as virtual pets, building cities (SimCity), and virtual dating. I can see the benefits in especially young minds like teens. Many trying to find and mold their identities. Video games can be a shaping tool that teaches responsibility, reasoning, cooperation, and consequence. This could all be used for the betterment of a wider community.
On the other hand, some video games can really deter young minds see only adversarial viewpoints. I find religiously overtones video games to see people in a community as enemies. Example would be "convert to my religion or pay the consequence" type scenarios really do not promote tolerance, acceptance, or civic potential.
Still, we must take the good with the bad in all aspects of life. It is just my hope that game developers will use the platform that creates atmospheres of inclusion and act responsibly. All people need to accepted and valued for their backgrounds and experiences. My belief anyways :-)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Week 7 - Digital Learners & Google
Google in my mind is still up in there air. I'm not sure if Goggle is the new "Evil Empire" or not. They offer all these free service and web 2.0 apps, but how long will they remain free? Once Google apps are used everywhere, and people become so dependant on their services. Will Google at that point start charging? When they know that people have no other options? I'm pondering.... although, I can't stop loving the Google docs presentation upload, and slide sharing!
Interesting CNN article
http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/11/magazines/business2/google_defense.biz2/index.htm
The new age of digital learners has really opened my eyes to a new way and thinking, learning, and collaborating. It is interesting to see how people like myself in traditional classroom are venturing out to discover the "New web = web 2.o". there are so many new technologies. So many people were excited as was I to see this new products.
1. Show me what it is. (Importance & Engage)
2. Show me how it works. (Model)
3. Let me try it. (Practice)
4. Evaluate (Feedback)
It was nice to see the new technologies really embrassing the Instructional Design Process!
Interesting CNN article
http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/11/magazines/business2/google_defense.biz2/index.htm
The new age of digital learners has really opened my eyes to a new way and thinking, learning, and collaborating. It is interesting to see how people like myself in traditional classroom are venturing out to discover the "New web = web 2.o". there are so many new technologies. So many people were excited as was I to see this new products.
1. Show me what it is. (Importance & Engage)
2. Show me how it works. (Model)
3. Let me try it. (Practice)
4. Evaluate (Feedback)
It was nice to see the new technologies really embrassing the Instructional Design Process!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
ITEC 830 - Interface Design Critique
Critique for Website "www.seq.org"
On Information Design
Who are the Potential Users?
- The possible users would be parents, teachers looking for employment, and students who are looking for resources.
- The amount of information just on the home screen is too large. The chunks are far to large for the home screen. Information is too varied within the written text. The page layout is poor, and smaller chunks need o be worked on this page. Labeling
- The left had tool bar is easy to see, but the labels are difficult to read. The text is too small, and fonts that are much more bold should be used to address the issue concerning "content" for paragraphs. The website is consistent in the font size, but some variation of fonts may give better organization and feel. The color choice could also use a slight splash of color. The overall green feel needs just addition of 1-2 colors to show important sections on the page.
Details
- Far too many details are given on this single page. The navigation becomes difficult with small font, and the search bar is almost hidden in the top right hand corner. New layout and color choices would greatly help users become more familiar with this site.
- The site is tailored for lower end users. The page layout is simple blocks, and a navigation tool bar. The tool bar should float as the page scrolls down. Users must constantly scroll upwards to return to pages and becomes cumbersome.
- The interaction with the user is very limited. Only search is possible, while comments and feedback are limited.
- The look is simple and clean, but could use some updating. The color has too much green, while layout needs a redesign. The readability needs fonts that are easier to read and search.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Week 6 Reflection - Dr. Ellen Wagner
It was great to hear about continuous topics relating to technology, adoption, and feedback. The same issues that people raised about technology are still be used to criticise the use of technology in the current day. I helped to write the digital high school grant for my home school more than 10 years ago. This was during the early emergence of web 1.5 and found much resistance from non-tech savvy teachers. On the other hand, there were many teachers who embraced the new technology and adapted their teaching to incorporate learning that utilize computers, applications, and the world wide web.
Many teachers struggled with these new technologies, some failed at implementing new tech, and a limited few found success. Teachers are a bunch of resilient learners. Even though most failed, including myself, we reloaded and tried again. Implement the new things were learned, and gradually found success. Over years of practice and hard work, the teachers developed into some of the most engaging and innovative teachers. I believe this comes from not fearing or criticizing the new technology, but embarrassing the good and the bad about technology. Problem solving through the technology, and utilizing the portions that drive greater learning.
Our discussions this week, really delved into the issues that m-learning and e-learning has seen for more than a decade. It is an uphill battle to win over people to support, contribute, and grow through these new technologies. The value of m-0learning seems almost unlimited, by providing SME or subject matter experts in a world that has become smaller due to the world wide web. Contributions from individuals and companies to future the new technologies has driven an entire world to search for more learning, and content knowledge. I'm glad I am here to live and experience this great period in time of exponential growth in new technologies. ***Smiles***
Many teachers struggled with these new technologies, some failed at implementing new tech, and a limited few found success. Teachers are a bunch of resilient learners. Even though most failed, including myself, we reloaded and tried again. Implement the new things were learned, and gradually found success. Over years of practice and hard work, the teachers developed into some of the most engaging and innovative teachers. I believe this comes from not fearing or criticizing the new technology, but embarrassing the good and the bad about technology. Problem solving through the technology, and utilizing the portions that drive greater learning.
Our discussions this week, really delved into the issues that m-learning and e-learning has seen for more than a decade. It is an uphill battle to win over people to support, contribute, and grow through these new technologies. The value of m-0learning seems almost unlimited, by providing SME or subject matter experts in a world that has become smaller due to the world wide web. Contributions from individuals and companies to future the new technologies has driven an entire world to search for more learning, and content knowledge. I'm glad I am here to live and experience this great period in time of exponential growth in new technologies. ***Smiles***
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Week 6 - March 5 2009
Dr. Ellen Wagner and mobile learning (M-Learning) was engaging and exciting to have a dialogue within class.
Access - I liked how she really covered the accessibility of new and emerging technology that reached the mass public. The diagram of adaption by users was very insightful, especially the early adopters. I feel fights are always brewing between new adopters, and late adopters and people who never even bother to utilize the new technologies.
Innovation - Innovation definitely drives new communities of practice (COP). We definitely seek out a place where ideas can be discussed. This only takes place through affordance. New technologies as social network, blogging, and other web 2.0 apps have made it possible for people to connect in ways we have never done before. Dr. Wagner gave much insight into her life as not wanting to "miss the boat" to be involved in new and merging technology.
Sustainability - Not sure what to say here. technologies are changing faster than we can learn and use them. Seems like as we learn one app, two or three others pop up. Sustainability is still a big question on my mind. More to come later.
Access - I liked how she really covered the accessibility of new and emerging technology that reached the mass public. The diagram of adaption by users was very insightful, especially the early adopters. I feel fights are always brewing between new adopters, and late adopters and people who never even bother to utilize the new technologies.
Innovation - Innovation definitely drives new communities of practice (COP). We definitely seek out a place where ideas can be discussed. This only takes place through affordance. New technologies as social network, blogging, and other web 2.0 apps have made it possible for people to connect in ways we have never done before. Dr. Wagner gave much insight into her life as not wanting to "miss the boat" to be involved in new and merging technology.
Sustainability - Not sure what to say here. technologies are changing faster than we can learn and use them. Seems like as we learn one app, two or three others pop up. Sustainability is still a big question on my mind. More to come later.
Week 5
Hey All,
Here is my voicethread when I was trying to relate to Dr. Bonk's Presentation. I hope you enjoy, and I will return to write some more. I'm exhausted, but happy! :-)
http://voicethread.com/share/382249/
Hey everyone. This week had again much new technology to absorb. The mantra "We all learn" I think is great. It speaks to everyone around the world, regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, or global position. Learning is no longer a place, but everyone is under one cloud. "Cloud Computing and Learning" means no matter where we are, we can all learn. The issue is access to the Internet. Once everyone has access it is possible to find learning taking place everywhere.
E-learning breaks down the barriers that once restricted knowledge to only the countries with large monetary systems. Individuals and companies have provided new technology and content to individuals and schools. This has made the world a "flat" place, where almost everyone has equal access to learning, content knowledge, new technology applications, and rivaling traditional schools of learning.
This benefits the poorest of nations, and helps the populous of these nations. It provides learning, training, and ultimately opportunities. Newly emerging educated people are now becoming contributing participants into the new digital age. Where content, collaboration, and community are built within many learning communities. Learning communities are being broadened by contributors that collaborate around the globe. The act of contributing content, feedback, and openness has created a world that is looking to solve global issues by educating one individual at a time, on their own pace, and at low to no monetary cost. Rather amazing. :-) **giggles**
Here is my voicethread when I was trying to relate to Dr. Bonk's Presentation. I hope you enjoy, and I will return to write some more. I'm exhausted, but happy! :-)
http://voicethread.com/share/382249/
Hey everyone. This week had again much new technology to absorb. The mantra "We all learn" I think is great. It speaks to everyone around the world, regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, or global position. Learning is no longer a place, but everyone is under one cloud. "Cloud Computing and Learning" means no matter where we are, we can all learn. The issue is access to the Internet. Once everyone has access it is possible to find learning taking place everywhere.
E-learning breaks down the barriers that once restricted knowledge to only the countries with large monetary systems. Individuals and companies have provided new technology and content to individuals and schools. This has made the world a "flat" place, where almost everyone has equal access to learning, content knowledge, new technology applications, and rivaling traditional schools of learning.
This benefits the poorest of nations, and helps the populous of these nations. It provides learning, training, and ultimately opportunities. Newly emerging educated people are now becoming contributing participants into the new digital age. Where content, collaboration, and community are built within many learning communities. Learning communities are being broadened by contributors that collaborate around the globe. The act of contributing content, feedback, and openness has created a world that is looking to solve global issues by educating one individual at a time, on their own pace, and at low to no monetary cost. Rather amazing. :-) **giggles**
Thursday, February 26, 2009
"Emerging Technology In E-Learning" Reflection
There are many hurdles within technology and learning. E-learning is the new method of delivering content, knowledge, and instruction. E-learning does have it's opponents, that may not see the value in technology based instruction.
Benefits out E-learning create these vast networks of ideas, interests, collaboration, and consolidating content. The stand alone classroom becomes more of an island that feels isolated, and constrained. Technology has opened up classrooms for distance learners that may not be local. This has gained a devote following within countries that are geographically isolated. Many countries lack professional within a certain content area. Although, e-learning flattens the landscape by providing interaction and expertise through the world wide web. The delivery of content c an be streamed, and modularized. Far away learners can work together with experts from around the world, especially through collaborative efforts like wikis. Rural areas, and isolated countries now have access to extensive content through the web, but can exchange ideas/thoughts through blogs, threads, forums, and variety of web 2.0 applications. These new applications are absolutely essential in supporting the emerging E-learning movement.
E-learning provides a critical need to many individuals, groups, and even entire countries that rely on e-learning to educate and expand the minds of it's citizens. The tools, knowledge base, and expert communities use to only belong to those countries with the highest standard of living. Through e-learning and web 2.0, many more people can now learn and become educated. Especially, individuals from non-industrialized nations that lack resources.
Benefits out E-learning create these vast networks of ideas, interests, collaboration, and consolidating content. The stand alone classroom becomes more of an island that feels isolated, and constrained. Technology has opened up classrooms for distance learners that may not be local. This has gained a devote following within countries that are geographically isolated. Many countries lack professional within a certain content area. Although, e-learning flattens the landscape by providing interaction and expertise through the world wide web. The delivery of content c an be streamed, and modularized. Far away learners can work together with experts from around the world, especially through collaborative efforts like wikis. Rural areas, and isolated countries now have access to extensive content through the web, but can exchange ideas/thoughts through blogs, threads, forums, and variety of web 2.0 applications. These new applications are absolutely essential in supporting the emerging E-learning movement.
E-learning provides a critical need to many individuals, groups, and even entire countries that rely on e-learning to educate and expand the minds of it's citizens. The tools, knowledge base, and expert communities use to only belong to those countries with the highest standard of living. Through e-learning and web 2.0, many more people can now learn and become educated. Especially, individuals from non-industrialized nations that lack resources.
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