K. Borden asked, “Do schools today realize what is happening already (with computer games and other advancing technologies)?” She raised this question in response to a post by Bill Ferriter.
He thinks that some video games lead some students to a False Transparency of reality. (Ferriter formulates many problems from a teacher’s view of schooling that educational researchers can address.)
Someone can answer Borden’s Q with a measurable level of confidence, thus avoiding Types I and II research errors so common in blog posts and comments.
Hmm, sounds like a good research project for a homeschooled learner of any age. 🙂
To do so, I’d adjust Borden’s (precipitating) question to read, “Can public school teachers (people, not places) describe what is happening with advancing learning technologies outside of their classrooms today?”
Borden says, “the armed forces and astronauts use gaming and simulation to train and have for a while now. My daughter sings and recently began using a program that reads pitch and inflection and giving her feedback. Wii Fit is used in senior centers to encourage activity.
In addition to the uses Borden cites, those interested can check out High Tech High School and KIPP to observe samples of what’s happening.
And, yes, private, commercial, and military pilots use PC based Flight Simulator, and race car drivers and military ground troups use various household game programs to keep their reaction times up.
Some teachers and others consider such programs state-of-the-art learning tools. I wonder how many public school teachers do? Hmm, there’s another study for someone.
I’m guessing that public school teachers already know about such uses. Why, then, I wonder, don’t they initiate more of them in their classrooms?
Note: Borden also refers to her homeschooled daughter playing School Tycoon. I haven’t used it; guess I better do so.
The Danger in False Transparency
School Tycoon Free authorized download
Human Factors Researchers Show That Tablet PCs Belong In Classrooms