Instructional Technology Ponderings

How can these tools help teachers become better teachers? Can they?

I was reading an article this morning, Virtual classroom at the University of Central Florida puts teachers to the test, in the Orlando Sentinel and found it interesting. Interesting on many levels - first, I am planning something similar this coming fall with a class. Second, I believe simulations can and do provide a rich experience for students at any level.

As teachers, we search for effective strategies and methods that provide both dynamic experiences for our students and opportunities that encourage thought and discovery. Simulations are one such opportunity. Simulations provide a sense of immersion into an environment and hopefully provide opportunities for the learner to participate and to think as they would in the ‘real world’ - (outside the classroom walls). Thus, processing, making decisions, and learning.

I am planning to implement a dynamic, live, and very present type of simulated experience this coming fall in SecondLife.  I will be doing this in a beginning course for teachers at CGPS, Teaching and the Development of the Learner. Students will have opportunities to role play in this world and to practice maintaining a safe and productive classroom environment. Students will use this simulated environment by creating avatars and participating in different roles (student and teacher).  As the article suggests, if there is a problem in the classroom, you must fix it. Students will have opportunities to practice doing just that. The benefit, it is simulated and they will receive constructive feedback with opportunities for practice.

It is an interesting and good article. Take a look.