This week I chose to discuss the virtual
simulation entitled “The Trillium Trail.” The “Trillium Trail” virtual
simulation allows you to travel through a simulated North American continent.
This created world allows learners to explore the forests to learn about
different types of flowers, plants, and trees (Virtual Fieldtrips, 2011). The
Trillium Trail is an immersive learning simulation, and virtual environment
designed to simulate a real world field trip to a North American deciduous
forest and wildflower reserve (Virtual Fieldtrips, 2011). There are also fact
cards that are paced around the virtual world that give the learner an option
to click and read. There are voiceovers within the virtual simulation that
teach the various wonders that the learner finds while exploring. This
particular virtual simulation teaches the learner about the forest, ecology,
watersheds, photosynthesis, and much more (Virtual Fieldtrips, 2011).
Another important educational technology is
that of the Nintendo DS. This is a game console or system that has actually
produced several adult education games. The hand-held Nintendo gaming systems
are no longer for the kids. The Nintendo DS has language games to help you
learn a foreign language, brain teasers and even a cooking coach game. These
games run anywhere from 10 to 80 dollars. One game in particular that I find
enjoyable is the game entitled, “Brain Age.” This game includes activities that
require the player to quickly solve simple math problems, drawing pictures,
reading classical literature, and even playing the game, Sudoku, the popular
number puzzle game. These games are designed to not only reveal your particular
brain age, but also stimulate the mind and expand it.
There are so many educational games,
simulations and virtual learning opurturnites out there today. Currently there
are more games designed for younger learners but as this technology is
researched and refined, adult educational games will continue to be created.
As an adult educator, I currently use video
games and virtual simulations to teach ESL and English Culture. I find that
using this type of technology in the classroom assists learners but also adds
incentives within the educational experience. I look forward to this up and
coming industry.
Jeremy
References
Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post as always. I too have looked into trying to use the DS in my classroom. However, the military choose to go with the smartphone apps because everyone pretty much already has them. However, they present the same mobile learning tool. The beauty in these is that a person can learn virtually anything from anywhere. The DS has many games out there, and all of these have many aspects for educational use.
Respectfully,
Shawn