Journal 2

Groff, J., & Haas, J. (2008). Web 2.0: Today's technologies, tomorrow's learning. Learning & Leading with Technology. 36, 12-15.

The article “WEB 2.0 Today’s Technologies, Tomorrow’s Learning,” written by Jennifer Groff and Jason Haas, argues that incorporating social networking, simulations, and digital gaming into the classroom will promote better learning based on research and experiences of other teachers. These teachers believe that social networking allows students the opportunity to communicate and create a community of learners, which is very important in today’s classroom. They have also found that by using simulations gives students a hands-on experience of certain situations, such as, the functions of the human body. Digital gaming influences problem solving and interact with real life scenarios. These methods of teaching have proven to be successful and engage students in learning.

Questions
1. What are some strategies for success to help teachers become aware and informed on theses methods of technology?
Three suggestions from the article are exploring, partnering up with a colleague, and other additional support. Exploring and spending time with these technologies will help teachers become familiar and help find ways of how they might benefit with a specific lesson. Partnering up with a colleague will help with sharing of ideas and learn from each other. Additional support is communicating with technologist at your school and finding resources on the web.
2. What are some of the benefits of using digital gaming?
Digital gaming requires thinking skills, such as, weighing evidence, analyzing situations, and decision-making skills. Gaming also sets up a real life stage for experimental learning.