Module 2 Post 3

The integration of technology into the classroom is an interesting topic. As I stated in my first post this semester, I can remember playing learning games in class that taught about geography. I think that our society has built on that and using technology in the classroom has exploded. Using games, interactive learning on laptops, and second life virtual reality characters is a good thing. Teaching students about technology and letting them apply it in different ways is going to benefit them in their future careers. The use of the second life characters for IBM is completely realistic and I can see that being done by more corporations to save on budgets. In the hospital setting we are having more of our learning be online instead of in seat because of budget and because of the amount of mandatory information that has to be communicated. As for implementation, I could see video games and second life characters used to teach foreign language quickly and effectively in healthcare workers. I think if I would be able to play a game, interact with a Spanish speaking person, and have them teach me how to appropriately speak Spanish, I could be more successful in serving my Spanish speaking population. The game could be used to teach the basics of the language and second life could be used to practice the language with a real person. I think this concept could be used in the classroom as well. For example in history or geography, second life could be used to travel to different destinations around the world and take virtual tours of historical landmarks. Overall, the use of gaming can be productive in the classroom. It is ultimately the instructors decision how to embrace gaming in the classroom and which games to choose. Therefore, the instructor still has the control and the students have a chance to be more purposefully engaged in learning.