Week 2, Option 1-Meaningful Learning

My learning experience with technology was always presented as a visual means of learning that partnered with a teacher’s guidance. I think the visual helped us follow along with what the teacher was presenting but was not the most effective engagement wise.  The visual images, videos, and programs we had served as a tool for teaching rather than a collaborating experience with our peers. There was one computer game that I do remember playing that was useful. In about 4th or 5th grade, the teacher introduced us to a game called "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego. This was a computer-based game that challenged us by using trivia. During the course of the game, you would play as a detective trying to capture Carmen. This game was a favorite among parents, teachers, and students because it required us to use math skills and our knowledge of different geographical locations around the world. Based on the decisions we made we either got closer to capturing Carmen or we did not. The game was not only fun but it helped us learn with the computer-based game.
 From watching my own children with computers and subbing in classrooms they now have programs like reflex math. This program that partners with teachers previously taught the material and allows students to work through various modules. With the module having a game like structure students take an active step in their learning process. It was not until high school where I had a teacher who had a series of workstations that coincided with the material he presented. The class consisted of peer to peer learning, teacher-led lectures, and applied application that allowed us to produce results of our understanding through technology. I think the use of technology is a key ingredient to our current and future generation. As teachers, we must be consistently thinking about how to evolve from year to year and from student to student since needs are changing constantly.