Week 6 - Reading Two

Impact of Media and Technology in Schools

This article talks about learning "from" vs. learning "with" technology. It talks again about the lack of good research in the field of media-influence on learning. I enjoyed the learning with technology aspects, as it talks about using the computer as a cognitive tool, or sometimes as a tutor. I feel that this is a particularly valid method of learning, specifically when using software to design or code some sort of work. Many people struggle with hypothetical situations when learning complicated software, and utilizing a program to really create something meaningful seems to be how most people learn a tool and retain that knowledge.

I was intrigued over the ideas of using computers for 1-5 grade students, particularly to program a LEGO robot to perform some function. This sounds like fun! Things have certainly changed. I remember learning multiplication tables with a drill and practice computer program -- while the experience is memorable, I doubt it did anything for retention.