Games With Learning

How far should educators go in matching the technology used in instruction and classroom activities to the technology their students use?
If a teacher combines technology in the classroom to the technology that their students use is a wise decision. It is an obvious way of relating the information needing to be learned to something that the students of today's society are very comfortable with.

Are online chats and instant messaging of value in the classroom? Do they add to student learning, or do they distract from “real” instruction?
On a personal level, I would not allow this form of technology in my classroom during instruction. After the instruction has been given I think it would be okay to allow the students to use instant messaging (IM) as long as it could be monitored by the teacher. It is important to encourage the students to communicate through writing. It would be a good idea to inform the students that while using the IM, to not use "text language". Let them know that they need to write correctly and use proper grammar and punctuation.

Are there benefits to asynchronous, text-based communication over synchronous, face-to-face communication? In what situations?
I think there are benefits to asynchronous text-based communication because you can respond at your own pace. This allows thinking before speaking compared to face to face where people tend to speak before fully thinking about their thoughts.

Does using podcasts with students really enhance learning, or is it simply a newer version of passively delivering information?
It seems the use of podcasts is something that most (if not all) teachers and students could understand and relate to. Podcast would enhance learning because it is integrating another form of technology into their lesson and it would encourage the students to be more excited about the assignment because they can share their final product with their peers.

Does videogame help develop your studying? Why or why not? Explain. What skills can you gain from it? Do you agree with the article? If you have children, would you let them play videogame every day? Why/why not?
I think that videogame would help with developing your studying because it makes the students feel they are a part of creating the lesson rather than you giving the lesson and they do the work. Although the students are actually doing work, they do not feel like they are. Like stated in the article: http://thejournal.com/articles/21483_3, it says that being aware of videogame developing can make you more marketable as a person, better at math and possible increase your self-esteem. I think the research done on this topic is great and I do agree that videogame developing would be a positive tool to use in the classroom. When my husband and I have children I do not see harm in letting them play video games daily. There will be restrictions, for example, homework and chores will need to be completed before he/she is allowed to do so. I think that video games are stimulating for the brain and not to mention, my 26 year old husband plays his XBOX 360 almost everyday so it will be hard to argue with my children. =)