The videos this week addressed the future trends in technology as related to education. James Gee and Sasha Barab stressed that children must be problem solvers, creators, producers, and collaborators in order to be successful in the 21st century job market. As educators we will need “to include a focus on the skills and abilities that students will need if the next generation is to remain competitive in a changing world” (Solomon and Schrum, 2007, p. 9). In my opinion, our educational system is not focusing on the future. In my school district, the focus is on the students’ performance on standardized tests. Our daily class instruction excludes everything but what is needed to teach the test. This is a narrow and distorted view of education. “If we limit children as vessels to be filled with things, we’re not creating futures for them” (Barab, n.d.).
Online games and simulations are excellent tools for teaching problem solving. James Gee and Sasha Barab had some convincing arguments for using gaming as a valid tool for problem solving and for assessment. Sasha Barab made several statements that I found to be very thought provoking. "When I start a game, I'm immediately positioned with a purpose" (Barab, n.d.). "Failure is motivating. It's not something to be avoided" (Barab, n.d.). In the game, failure is the challenge to do better next time. Students will take time to learn the rules and procedures of the game in order to advance toward a winning goal. They are motivated and challenged to try again. In contrast, failing a test is defeat and does little to motivate repeat offenders to do better next time.
References:
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: new tools, new schools. Eugene, Or.: International Society for Technology in Education.
VideoAmy), A. E. (n.d.). Big Thinkers: Sasha Barab on New-Media Engagement
Edutopia. K-12 Education & Learning Innovations with Proven Strategies that Work
Edutopia. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-sasha-barab-video
Jeanette King
EDLD 5364/ET 8038
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