When one sits back and thinks about just how far technology has advanced over the years, it is amazing to think about just where it could go in the future. Because one thing is for certain:
This is only the beginning.
This module has reviewed the best practices for emerging gaming technologies, specifically their use in education and for training. Many examples of games and their uses have been explored as well. Because technology is rapidly advancing, it's use in the classroom and business sectors is increasing. Additionally, our society is becoming increasingly dependent on technology for communication, socialization, entertainment, and learning.
However, these trends are not without challenges. Educators are not immune to the conflicts that technology brings to their profession. The most prevalent threats to the use of technology in education are issues related to cost and access. Basically, both cost and access are issues of disparity. Some organizations do not have sufficient resources to fund the current technologies. The disparities facing access to technology are significant. Many individuals have no access; whereas, others have multiple technological devices. Students without access at home will need to stay at school longer and find time to access the computers. This may prove to be difficult or impossible when one considers the fact that many students have to ride the bus home from school every day. Some have smartphones, others simple phone devices, and others none. The same principle could be said for employees in the business sector as a variety of access levels exist there too.
While this learning module covered foundational information for using games for learning, many questions for educators in all settings may surface as their knowledge about games and simulations increases. In fact, we have even posed some questions for further thought throughout the module.
The intent of this module is to provide a base of knowledge and the groundwork to promote future discovery. To aid in this process, the last tab on this website "Your Corner" is a forum for comments and dialogue. This section is intended to be a space where you, the learners, can come together as a community and share your perspectives on the challenges facing educators in using technology, your discoveries and best practices, and questions you may have for others. To join the discussion, be sure to click on the "Your Corner" tab on the top toolbar. We look forward to hearing from each of you.
Thank you for exploring our website!
This is only the beginning.
This module has reviewed the best practices for emerging gaming technologies, specifically their use in education and for training. Many examples of games and their uses have been explored as well. Because technology is rapidly advancing, it's use in the classroom and business sectors is increasing. Additionally, our society is becoming increasingly dependent on technology for communication, socialization, entertainment, and learning.
However, these trends are not without challenges. Educators are not immune to the conflicts that technology brings to their profession. The most prevalent threats to the use of technology in education are issues related to cost and access. Basically, both cost and access are issues of disparity. Some organizations do not have sufficient resources to fund the current technologies. The disparities facing access to technology are significant. Many individuals have no access; whereas, others have multiple technological devices. Students without access at home will need to stay at school longer and find time to access the computers. This may prove to be difficult or impossible when one considers the fact that many students have to ride the bus home from school every day. Some have smartphones, others simple phone devices, and others none. The same principle could be said for employees in the business sector as a variety of access levels exist there too.
While this learning module covered foundational information for using games for learning, many questions for educators in all settings may surface as their knowledge about games and simulations increases. In fact, we have even posed some questions for further thought throughout the module.
The intent of this module is to provide a base of knowledge and the groundwork to promote future discovery. To aid in this process, the last tab on this website "Your Corner" is a forum for comments and dialogue. This section is intended to be a space where you, the learners, can come together as a community and share your perspectives on the challenges facing educators in using technology, your discoveries and best practices, and questions you may have for others. To join the discussion, be sure to click on the "Your Corner" tab on the top toolbar. We look forward to hearing from each of you.
Thank you for exploring our website!