Teacher ed programs turn to virtual reality

by Pat Donachie, Education Dive

Some future teachers are using augmented and virtual reality programs to gain classroom experience before they ever lead an actual class, according to University Business. The programs, increasingly in use at institutions throughout the country, offer future teachers the opportunity to fail and learn from mistakes in a “low-stakes” setting, according to Penn State Ed Tech Services Director Kyle Bowen. The virtual classroom students have individualized personalities and react to the instruction of the student in the VR space, and supporters say programs say they can be amended to accommodate for changes in student age, background and subject matter.

https://www.educationdive.com/news/teacher-ed-programs-turn-to-virtual-reality/511608/

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=34170

Strategies for Seamlessly Integrate Technology into Class

by tech Edvocate

Technology-focused education is based on a constructivist approach to learning. As described earlier, the teacher in a technologically advanced classroom is seen as a facilitator rather than a pure instructor. A teacher’s function is to help students use the technological resources appropriately to find the information rather than presenting it to them. Students need to learn how to find the information they need and take ownership of their own learning. Working in small groups is also a crucial factor in acquiring these skills. Small-group instruction versus massive class instruction provides opportunity to develop a group dynamic, to make group decisions, and to share knowledge. Classes working under these principles promote cooperative rather than competitive group dynamics. The degree of ease with which you’ll incorporate technology into your teaching methods will depend on how much technology you’ve been exposed to during the course of your life.

http://www.thetechedvocate.org/strategies-for-seamlessly-integrating-technology-into-class/

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=24054