Thursday, November 10, 2011

3D in Education.

3D in Education Article #1
3D in Education Article #2

The articles posted above it has some very intriguing information. The article is giving 3D education a positive vibe. It is stating that teaching could be more efficient if 3D is implemented. There is examples such as the Shelton School where the students did not want to leave class even after the bell. It is stated in the article that students are able to more interactively learn, and see things with more detail. Since 3D education is more interactive as the objects appear realistic, students are able to visualize the subject matter in a more apprehensive way. It seems that 3D education through the engagement the students seem to show will higher test results according to Clemson University. One of the main factors that is intriguing by this method of education, is its ability to keep a student's attention span. Honestly, regular education because of all the new technology that is out there is very boring. Students will turn to their mini computers (a.k.a cell phones). The studies on the articles show that this high-tech way of teaching student is adaptive to the technological advances of society. The same way we are adapting to even small children obtaining cell phones, we are making way for this fascinating method of teaching; 3D education.

Questions:
What is one possible way 3D education can benefit a classroom?
Why would a teacher feel satisfaction when using 3D visuals as a tool?
What could be one con regarding implementation of 3D in education?
How are test scores affected by this?
What is one possible issue withholding the implementation of 3D?

Answers:
1. 3D education can benefit a classroom due to its interactive visuals. It can have the whole class involved, and intrigued by what they are learning.
2. A teacher would feel satisfied, and motivated to teach their students because the students would give them the attention they need/deserve.
3. 3D implementation although it seems could be quite beneficial is quite expensive.
4. Test scores would obviously improve due to the change of attitude, interest, and engagement by the students.
5. The fact that 3D is expensive, Americans would very slowly implement this into their schools because of the education budget cuts.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Cell phones used by school staff.

1.                  Who started the discussion?
 
Cuff, Alexis.

2.                  What is the topic of the discussion?

The topic is the cell phone use by school staff.

3.                  Summary of the discussion.
 
The discussion is begging the question in which we are questioning the right for staff to text or not text, regardless of the occasion. Most posters agreed that it is not model behavior for the staff to text, and not follow the example that should be set. One person suggested that you should just read the message, and not reply. But as another poster mentioned, it would just be human nature to text back. I am completely agreeing with him, it has happened to me many times. I read a message, and instantly want to reply. Especially if it is a text message that interests me.

4.                  How will the content of the discussion help you when you become a teacher?
The content of the discussion reminds me that as an educator, I should follow the example/policies that are implemented by the school. Most, if not all schools have policies regarding the usage of cell phones. Most teachers do not allow the cell phones. If we go ahead, and divide our attention with our phones, the students will obviously think it is only fair for them to use it. It is better to reply back to those messages in a lunch break, or when we are not busy. I believe that even though text messaging is the norm in modern technology usage, we should refrain from allowing it to ruin our careers. We should learn to use the text messaging to our advantage, and not our disadvantage.

Medical Mirror

A fascinating invention has arrived. Although it is not the most amazing of the inventions, it has a healthy approach. (Pun intended)

The invention is not the greatest, but it definitely can be a life saver. We are now able to look at ourselves in the mirror and reflect upon the inside as well. The article's instructions on how the invention works goes as follow

"When your heart beats, it sends a pulse of blood through your blood vessels. Blood absorbs light, so when more of it travels through the vessels, less of the light hitting your skin is reflected. A webcam can pick up those small fluctuations in reflected light, Poh says, and a computer program can translate that data into a heart-rate reading." It almost seems impossible at first, but there you have the explanation of this amazing invention.

In the following link you can view a video/more information about the invention itself :Medical Mirror

I believe the invention might be the beginning of easier ways to monitor our well being. We obviously look at ourselves in the mirror multiple times, so why now also simultaneously have our heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation. It's amazing how many things this invention can do, while we look at ourselves the mirror...

I believe it won't have a huge impact on schools and education, but if it does get implemented in schools... parents would be notified if he/she is unaware that the child is having heart problems, etc. We will now be able to monitor even a toddler's heart rate at ease, by just having he/she stand in front of a mirror.

As an educator I believe the new invention, if implemented by the school systems, would put more pressure on us educators to make note if a child's heartbeat is irregular, or respiratory is an issue, and other issues this mirror can identify.