In Reality...I'm Virtually Augmented....

This week's module contained resources on both augmented reality and virtual reality.  Being a PE teacher, i really haven't found any use for VR.  I am not saying, there couldn't be a use for it, I just haven't found a place for it.  Being a performance based curriculum, I would rather have reality vs virtual reality.  However, AR is unique and I have used the Aurasma App.  It's great for creating circuit workouts and giving students the ability to see what an exercise looks like vs just a poster/picture.  The use of Aurasma is pretty simple to use and allows pictures to literally come alive. 
Overall, this class has been interesting.  It definitely has pushed me outside of my curricular area, which is a good thing.  However, there were things that we learned (storytelling, book trailers, podcasting) that I will never use.  While I can see the benefits in some curricular areas, there is not a natural fit in mine.  I think teachers need to continue to look at ways that technology naturally enhances curriculum, not create curriculum around technology. 

Tell me in a Graphic.....

   Traditional style education, where teachers spew information and students write down that info, has its place even today's classroom. However, is that what's best for today's student?  The current generation of students, have grown up in a completely different generation than their teachers.  The use of technology can and has transformed the classroom and the learning experience.  One example of this transformation is the use of graphic designs, sometimes called info-graphics (see example below).

Infographics can not only get information across in a traditional manner, it allows for pictures/designs to be used.  This will make the information aesthetically appealing, which will increase the intake of information.  Students need to be stimulated in many different ways to allow learning to occur.  There are many easy to use programs that allow infographics to be created.  This can make it easy for teachers to develop more "exciting' material for their students.  More importantly, the ease of use, can allow students to create their own material.  This places the learning on the students and away from the teacher. While this is difficult for many teachers to "let go" of the learning process, it becomes more authentic and more personal to the student when they are able to create.  This "ownership" gives meaning to the learning process to the student.