So, why "does not feel like school" is fun? Is this mean that school is not fun? So, is school fun that important?
Most research about Virtual World I have read nearly all mentioned they try to use virtual world to motivated students and more engaged students. It seems that students hate school and do not want to involved in class activities. And look at what they are doing outside school, they are creating fan fiction, video or games, or just surfing the internet, playing games and watching TVs. Consequently, researchers thinks whether we could bring what these children like into classroom, so they will love learning math or science.
Here is my question, why? Shouldn't learning be painful? And it is because of the pain in leaning, learning makes me happy when I learned.
Oh, that's not the question. Some research might said, it is not only the motivation or fun things, it is also about knowledge. Assessments are scaring and exercises are boring, and all these are totally different from the real world. Scientists do not recite physics laws, they understand it and use it to solve complex problems. That is the reason why we spend huge money and time to develop virtual worlds like Quite Atlantis, we want to students have the experience of how scientists do research before they say "I quit" in science class.
It seems that makes sense.
We use these fancy technology is not because students like them (oh, maybe part of is this reason), we choose to use it is because it could offer a possible solution to our problem, for example, how to avoid knowledge inertia, how to give Chinese students chance to practice English with American students, how to let distance students feel like in the classroom.
So, what we bring into class and school should tightly connect to our purpose and solve our problems.
Finally, thanks for reading my blogs and leave comments! Hope you now have some knowledge about virtual worlds in Education.
It's been really interesting reading your blog so far! You bring up an interesting point on the pain vs. fun in learning. Personally, I learn better by having fun, but maybe this is not true for everyone?
ReplyDeleteThe 'fun' issue can be a frustrating one. Not everything in life is going to be super fun, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do them. Its rewarding to learn and be challenged. If everything was easy being able to master something wouldn't be as rewarding.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your point on using technology not just because it's fun but for purpose is important and one i've noticed we've brought up a few times in class.
Iv'e learned a lot from your blog, thank you!
Great job on your blog posts with virtual worlds and education! Regarding this post, you raise a very interesting point. Some children dread to go to school because it isn't "fun." Yes, school is not meant to be entirely fun. It's an educational atmosphere where learning takes place. In order to fully engage and motivate students, it is very important as educators to ensure that the students are enjoying school. Fun can be described in many different ways. In regards to education, educators needs to institute fun by providing interesting and engaging techniques to motivate students.
ReplyDeleteAgain, great job with all of your posts!!!