Learning Technologies Final post

There are many learning technologies that I have considered including into my class as tools for my students to have further avenues of learning.  Our classes presented a number of great tools to research and decide which would fit best with the groups we currently teach.  I have chosen three technologies I think would best enhance my current students learning process.  With this said, I con not predict which learning tools would work for future students because I haven’t had the chance to learn their learning styles, so future technology for these classes could be modified when the time arises. 

The first technology was posted on Rachel Normand’s blog on August 2, 2013, http://rach084.wordpress.com/.  She spoke of game website called http://www.nobelprize.org/educational, stating how it contained many games and simulations about the human body.  Being an anatomy and physiology, and pathophysiology teacher I was intrigued.  When I tried the site out, I found myself, as Rachel did, being extremely competitive and wanting to get every answer right.  It was great and decided to ask our IT department to unblock it for our students so they can have access and enjoy it as well.  This site gives our students another avenue to learn along with Moodle, and AnatomyArcade.com. 

The second technology I chose was from a digital citizenship post on Yvette Powell’s blog  http://tweedsidepa.blogspot.com/, posted on August, 17, 2013.  She explains how it is our responsibility to know where we are when we are on the net.  Language differs from domain to domain and we should act accordingly.  Some language may be accepted on Facebook, but on a school website, it is not.  I agree with Yvette on her assessment of the rule of digital citizenship. 

Lastly, I chose a technology from Candra Sims at http://candrasims.wordpress.com/.  She used Facebook as an emerging technology through social networking and how impacts adult learning.  I like the idea of using Facebook, but had fears of distraction and cyberbullying.  She put those fears to rest when she stated that she would use Facebook to post resources for assignments and discussing course related material.  I also found Edmodo, which is very similar to Facebook to be even more helpful for the students at my institution.  Although distraction is still a threat, it can be held off by making sure students are engaged in their work, and comfortable with using the software.  One last thing about Facebook and Edmodo, students can collaborate with each other and the instructor at anytime from anywhere. 

The ever growing speed and memory of tablet, smartphones and laptops allow for a even flattening of the world making communication quicker faster and more computerized ll day.  Using some of these technologies presented here can only enhance an adult students learning experience.