Elearning2_PartB

The future? This reminds me of art works we used to draw in primary school. 'Imagine you are in year 2000.' or 2010. And often enough we'd see pictures of people travelling (flying more specifically) in UFO-like vehicles. now we are in 2009, and we are still stuck in jams on the roads.

I liked the design and layout of the COTF. Having the space segmented will definitely aid the learning of a mixed ability class. As Kapp shared, having a large space allows students to work on different tasks at the same time and in the same place. Technology can indeed help teachers cater to the varied needs of their students.

But of course I do have my reservations. Technology can be extremely unreliable. I have to admit that I love my touchscreen phone and after using it for a while, got so used to it that i wanted to reach out and work my laptop via the screen as well! I suppose I have been somewhat rewired ;) But the touchscreen comps at the COTF was difficult to handle (we were told that it uses a more outdated technology compared to the phones we use nowadays) and frustrating. Hence while the video showcasing Microsoft's vision for 2019 is appealing, I am skeptical about the effectiveness, durability (I have this gut feeling that touchscreens get damaged more easily) and affordability of technology. Shobi mentioned that some schools will lack the budget to engage in effective game based learning and I am inclined to agree with her view. Do we want to see the digital gap between neighbourhood schools and the elite schools widen even further?

The future can indeed bring many new possibilities, most of which I will attempt to embrace. I saw the concept of smarthomes in a module during my undergraduate years and I admit that I would love to have that in my future home (though it will probably burn a hole in my pocket). It can be really convenient if you have the lights switched on when you enter, music choosen according to my mood, and have items automatically added to my shopping list.

But the pervasive reach of technology can be disconcerting. While getting an sms notification that a shop is selling my shampoo at a discounted rate (yes that can be possible in the future) can be a boon, where do we draw the line between being informed, and bombarded unnecessary information. Online shopping for example can suggest items based on our initial selections. Yes, that gorgeous dress (which we do not need) may not have been found since it was the 199th item on the list. But since it conveniently appeared under 'you might like this too' and you add it to your shopping cart and have yet another item in your already overflowing wardrobe.

This module has been useful in preparing us to prepare our students for the possible future. The indiv assignment being a case in point. One way to prepare for the future and its many possibilities is to know how to use them effectively. Users need to be aware of the benefits of technology as well as its possible detriments.
Overall, I will honestly admit that I do not feel adequately prepared for what teaching will bring. I think we have not been exposed to schools and students enough and are merely absorbing theories without seeing its applicability in actual lessons. But I do believe that we will learn more on the job (:

To prepare myself, I shall attempt to play more games during the holidays. I am tempted to buy myself a wii set :D I admit it will take time before I will be convinced that games can deliver proper lessons, but I do hope that that day will eventually come.