The Horizon Report 2011 Edition

Three topics in the “THE HORIZON REPORT 2011 EDITION” (The New Media Consortium, 2011), struck my interest.
1. Ebooks
2. Game-based Learning
3. Learning Analytics

Ebooks
Today in my job I was asked to figure out and implement a pilot project in our district, middle school and above. I found this very helpful in giving me a starting point for the pilot. We are fortunate enough to have many iPod touches in our district (thanks Dr. Dunleavy) to serve as the ebook reader. Now the issue will be scouring for content that the teachers currently use. Or would it be an issue, could we not use what is available if it fulfilled the need?

Game-based Learning
After teaching the Introduction to Game Design, dual-enrolled with New River Community College this topic really peaked my interest. The technology is in place to teach students more than problem solving, but not SOL specific content. SOL’s have in a since deterred a lot of teachers from change. Who cares if all these years you have taught VA history by using copies of worksheets over and over? History is the only thing that you cannot change but the way you present it can. Again the problem here is the content and topics aren’t specifically written into games, but if we can embrace the pieces of the game that does this could really work. Games in the iTunes apps store have really helped alleviate some of these problems because it is fairly simple to search for content specific data.

Learning Analytics
I like the idea of creating instruction based on the needs of the student. We are all told to be individual but our education is being cloned by the SOL way of thinking. I do not however fully understand how the data collection that will be taking place can be used as benchmarks for future students or for that matter accurate.