MATERIALS DESIGN FOR VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS

Unit 1 & 2: Step 4 - Final Exam

Tutor:

Cristian Quintero

Grupo: 551021A_471

Present by

Aura Milena Rincon

Cód: 22549093

Open and Distance National University

School of Education
Barranquilla D.C.
May
2018
 Importance Of Learning About New Technologies For The Creation Of Online
Materials For Virtual Environments.

To answer this question “Importance of Learning about New Technologies for the
Creation of Online Materials for Virtual Environments.” we should start talking of the
attempts to use computer technologies to enhance learning began with the efforts of
pioneers such as Atkinson and Suppes (e.g., Atkinson, 1968; Suppes and Morningstar,
1968). The presence of computer technology in schools has increased dramatically since
that time, and predictions are that this trend will continue to accelerate. Based on this
statement the use of Tics to support teaching in Higher Education has increased
dramatically, these developments have coincided with an evolving role for education as
more students wish to study part-time, at a distance, or wish to integrate their education
with their professional career. In addition, the creation of a learning society, where
individuals are encouraged to continue to learn throughout their life demands new models
of teaching, which do not rely heavily on face to face teaching or strict progression
schedules. The rapid progress of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
continues to modify the way of elaborating, acquiring and transmitting knowledge,
Education becomes increasingly competitive and to achieve a better educational level
requires the support of resources that help us in the process of teaching students, as are the
didactic materials, its use tends to guide and motivate the student in the construction of
knowledge.

What is now known about learning provides important guidelines for uses of
technology that can help students and teachers develop the competencies needed for the
twenty-first century. The new technologies provide opportunities for creating learning
environments that extend the possibilities of “old” —but still useful—technologies—books;
blackboards; and linear, one-way communication media, such as radio and television
shows—as well as offering new possibilities. Technologies do not guarantee effective
learning, however. Because the inappropriate uses of technology can hinder learning— for
example, if students spend most of their time picking fonts and colors for multimedia
reports instead of planning, writing, and revising their ideas. And everyone knows how
much time students can waste surfing the Internet. Because the internet we have been using
technology so much these days in each and every domain of our lives, be it education or the
regular household work, But we must question ourselves ¿That have we ever taken out a
second to wonder if it’s leaving a positive impact on our work or it’s just that we have
been relying too much on it that we’ve become habitual to it, ignoring the direction of its
impact? My opinion is that if because, I am more than definite that technology improves
education to a great extent and it has now become a need for revolutionizing education for
the better. Because many new technologies are interactive (Greenfield and Cocking, 1996),
it is now easier to create environments in which students can learn by doing, receive
feedback, and continually refine their understanding and build new knowledge Students can
work with visualization and modeling software that is similar to the tools used in nonschool
environments, increasing their understanding and the likelihood of transfer from school to
nonschool settings. These technologies also provide access to a vast array of information,
including digital libraries, data for analysis, and other people who provide information,
feedback, and inspiration. They can enhance the learning of teachers and administrators, as
well as that of students, and increase connections between schools and the communities,
including homes. These technologies also provide access to a vast array of information,
including digital libraries, data for analysis, and other people who provide information,
feedback, and inspiration. They can enhance the learning of teachers and administrators, as
well as that of students, and increase connections between schools and the communities,
including homes. Things virtual have become increasingly important. Virtual worlds,
virtual environments and virtual classrooms are suddenly the focus of all Internet
technology design

With technology, educators, students and parents have a variety of learning tools at
their fingertips. Here are some of the ways in which technology improves education over
time:

Teachers can collaborate to share their ideas and resources online: They can
communicate with others across the world in an instant, meet the shortcomings of their
work, refine it and provide their students with the best. This approach definitely enhances
the practice of teaching.

Students can develop valuable research skills at a young age: Technology gives
students immediate access to an abundance of quality information which leads to learning
at much quicker rates than before.

Students and teachers have access to an expanse of material: There are plenty of
resourceful, credible websites available on the Internet that both teachers and students can
utilize. The Internet also provides a variety of knowledge and doesn’t limit students to one
person’s opinion.

More adaptability for the learners: The instructor monitors the classroom directly
and is able to assess the individual needs of each learner and the needs of the group more
easily in a virtual classroom. The instructor can address any upcoming concerns and issues
more responsively. The content and presentation can also be adapted closely to the learner’s
needs.

Online learning is now an equally credible option: Face-to-face interaction is huge,

especially in the younger years, but some students work better when they can go at their
own pace. Online education is now accredited and has changed the way we view education.
 Flexibility in learning and improved activity: These courses have the freedom to
combine lectures, Q&A sessions, individual and team activities, reading and even online
testing. Learners can work directly with peers and gain meaningful feedback from them.

An important use of technology is its capacity to create new opportunities for

curriculum and instruction by bringing real-world problems into the classroom for students
to explore and solve; Technology can help to create an active environment in which
students not only solve problems, but also find their own problems. This approach to
learning is very different from the typical school classrooms, in which students spend most
of their time learning facts from a lecture or text and doing the problems at the end of the
chapter.

There are many advantages.

Advantages of online or computer-based learning

• Class work can be scheduled around work and family

• Reduces travel time and travel costs for off-campus students

• Students may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of
knowledge and interest

• Students can study anywhere they have access to a computer and Internet connection

• Self-paced learning modules allow students to work at their own pace

• Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour,
or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms

• Instructors and students both report eLearning fosters more interaction among students
and instructors than in large lecture courses

• eLearning can accommodate different learning styles and facilitate learning through a
variety of activities

• Develops knowledge of the Internet and computers skills that will help learners
throughout their lives and careers

• Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and

self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning

• Learners can test out of or skim over materials already mastered and concentrate efforts in
mastering areas containing new information and/or skills
Disadvantages of online or computer-based learning

• Learners with low motivation or bad study habits may fall behind

• Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or confused
about course activities and deadlines

• Students may feel isolated from the instructor and classmates

• Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help

• Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials
frustrating

• Managing computer files and online learning software can sometimes seem complex for
students with beginner-level computer skills

Despite the aforementioned, we can say that the use of Tics has its advantages and
disadvantages, we must also be aware that learning through Tics involves the participation
of the entire community since it is an educational tool but also leisure that can cause
distraction for those who should be its beneficiaries, the main challenge is to have students
actually learn something. Students can be pretty narrow-minded sometimes about their
goals and lack understanding the benefits of education. Some of them just want diplomas
and are willing to cheat any exam, and can be pretty inventive in this direction. We can say
that the advantages and challenges of e-learning vary depending on program goals, target
audience and organizational infrastructure and culture. But it is unarguable that e-learning
is rapidly growing as form of training delivery and most are finding that the clear benefits
to e-learning will guarantee it a role in their overall learning strategy.

In conclusion the implementation of technologies suggests that educational

technologies can improve student achievement, so long as such tools are integrated
thoughtfully into teaching and learning. ICT's are also a resource to obtain information, a
powerful, valuable resource so that people can communicate with us through mobile
devices, email, discussion forums, chats, among other things. I think so educators and
educational researchers should be encouraged to focus on determining how to better
integrate the use of a given technology to facilitate learning, rather than asking if it works
or if one is more effective than another. The role of technology in education is vital, and the
question is no longer if technology enhances learning, but rather how do we improve our
use of technology to enhance learning? With the use of the different didactic materials
through the ICTs, a quality education can be offered to a greater number of students, the
educational institution must be prepared to offer this education, with a physical, technical
and technological team, capable of face the challenges of the new era.
 Link of the Video

https://youtu.be/y0FHOpBavSA