Thursday, March 16, 2017

ENGAGING/NOT ENGAGING TECHNOLOGIES

There is a vast variety of technologies that could incorporated into the environment of adult learners. Careful consideration must be given to which technologies might be engaging and which ones may not be so engaging. I have chosen to investigate one of each with Video Tutorials being intriguing and Search Engines being uninteresting.
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VIDEO TUTORIALS “allow a classroom setting to come to life, offering different perspectives and tools that students might not normally be able to take advantage of in their learning” (Windermere, n.d., para. 1). This technology offers recorded online lessons with specific learning goals. It may be “viewed on computers through either DVDs or online streams, as well as mobile devices” (Windermere, n.d., para. 2). I found video tutorials to be engaging as they provide opportunities to learn by doing. They may contain examples, experiences, and applications. Furthermore, their visual and audio components are more captivating than lectures and reading material. Importantly, it can be viewed at the learner’s own pace and convenience. As an educator, I would implement video tutorials to assist students with development and application of skills. I would also use this technology as a resource for additional learning opportunities. Below is a link with more information on Video Tutorials.

http://work.chron.com/importance-video-tutorials-students-16633.html

Reference

Windermere, A. (n.d.). What is the importance of video tutorials to students? Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from http://work.chron.com/importance-video-tutorials-students-16633.html
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SEARCH ENGINE “is a software program that searches for sites based on the words that you designate as search terms. Search engines look through their own databases of information in order to find what it is that you are looking for” (Boswell, 2016, para. 2). I suspect search engines may not be viewed as engaging as they are often associated with research. They contain large amounts of resources and information for learners to sift and search through, which can be time consuming. Effective use of search engines requires knowing where to look and how to apply best practices for the searches. Search engines may not be a very appealing technology. Yet, they are useful and has an important place in learning. As an educator, I would utilize search engines for their intended purposes, which is to locate information. However, I would allow for search of content that interests learners via engines of their choice and familiarity.                   
Below is a link with more information on Search Engines.

https://www.lifewire.com/how-does-search-engine-work-3482032

Reference


Boswell, W. (2016). How does a search engine work? Lifewire.com. Retrieved from https://www.lifewire.com/how-does-search-engine-work-3482032

1 comment:

  1. Vankita,
    I agree with that video tutorials are an excellent technology to add to the classroom. I would use this technology for my students to teach them principles and information that is relevant to the class, and it could be used as a tool to prepare for papers and exams. I think this would keep the students engaged and interested in the classroom. Videos give the students the ability to stop it and watch it again and help with memory retention to prepare for exams. The students can also be hands on with the video if it requires participation or answering questions at the end of the video. I also think this would appeal to students with different learning abilities and help those that are better with visual material (Writer, 2013). The link used for this article is http://work.chron.com/importance-video-tutorials-students-16633.html.

    References
    Writer, L. G. (2013). What Is the Importance of Video Tutorials to Students? Retrieved March 17, 2017,
    from http://work.chron.com/importance-video-tutorials-students-16633.html

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