Edutainment (educational entertainment technology) is awesome!
- I’m quite surprised when I encounter a person who doesn’t agree.
We cannot assume that all people have positive attitudes towards technology. Keller’s ARCS theory of motivation suggests that motivation is essential to enabling learners to start and continue within learning task by explaining that motivation is based on self-efficacy because learners experience satisfaction through academic successes (Driscoll, 2005). Research-based strategies for teaching and learning suggest considering multifaceted views of intelligence by tailoring individual instruction. Gardner’s multiple intelligences suggest that our diverse of society demands consideration of the different ways people learn (Gardner, 2003). Edutainment considers enjoyment as a motivating factor in learning. Gardner proposed that people not only learn differently, but that their brains are actually different in terms of intelligence and the way they process information (Gardner, 2003). I can recognize the concerns of educators who hesitate to embrace new educational technologies because they are resistance to social change.
Our failure to employ the benefits of educational technology will not reverse the impact of the digital age on the way people learn and demonstrate understanding. Educational technology can help learners achieve their goals by providing the tools necessary for individualized curriculum and instruction. Advanced learning analytics, blended learning environments, and Web 2.0 capabilities can provide new ways of measuring intelligence. The application of this technology translates to increased creativity in K-12 curriculum, greater collaboration within higher education, and communication within a corporate global economy. Pink explained that we must combine left-brain and right-brain thinking in a society built on information technology (Pink, 2005). The individual student is best served in a learning environment where he/she is given varied opportunities to express intelligence; motivation is increased when students are fully engaged in the learning process. I encourage people to always have an open mind concerning new technology even if they experience resistance or disappointing results.
Understanding the value of educational technology can help us to overcome fears associated with new technology. Educational technology is very beneficial to designing curriculum and instruction that addresses the multiple ways that students learn. Goleman explains how schools should foster the development of students by considering self-awareness, managing emotions, self-motivation, empathy, and positive relationships (O'Neil,1996).Today’s educational system must prepare critical thinkers who can solve problems in any given circumstances. Students should be given opportunities to work in a variety of learning situations to build on less-dominant intelligences. Likewise, educators should provide unique assessments that measure intelligence based on more-dominant intelligences. Edutainment curriculum and instruction motivates students because it reflects a genuine understanding of the role emotional intelligence plays in learning. Edutainment’s emphasis on “entertainment” is ideal for motivating student to use new technology as they participate in a fun learning experience.
Resources:
Aspire Innovative Learning, Inc. www.aspireil.org
Aspire Innovative Learning, Inc. www.aspireil.org
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education
Gardner, H. (2003, April 21). Multiple intelligences after twenty years. Paper presented to the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL. Retrieved from http://www.pz.harvard.edu/PIs/HG_MI_after_20_years.pdf
O'Neil, J. (1996). On emotional intelligence: A conversation with Daniel Goleman. Educational Leadership, 54(1), 6−11. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Teacher Reference Center database.
Pink, D. H. (2005, February). Revenge of the right brain. Wired, 13(2). Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.02/brain.html
J. Turner, Aspire STAR commented @
Gardner, H. (2003, April 21). Multiple intelligences after twenty years. Paper presented to the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL. Retrieved from http://www.pz.harvard.edu/PIs/HG_MI_after_20_years.pdf
O'Neil, J. (1996). On emotional intelligence: A conversation with Daniel Goleman. Educational Leadership, 54(1), 6−11. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Teacher Reference Center database.
Pink, D. H. (2005, February). Revenge of the right brain. Wired, 13(2). Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.02/brain.html
J. Turner, Aspire STAR commented @
Hello Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteYou point out excellent points about motivation and learning with educational technology. I agree that educational technological and Web 2.0 technologies give learners various ways of using intelligences. Instructors must be able to motivate learners to learn with the use of new technology. The Keller’s ARCS theory of motivation is a good model for motivating learners. How do you motivate individuals that do not want to use new technologies?
v/r
Sullus
Hi Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. The curriculum design is very important, but there will still be students who are not receptive. Have you experienced this, and if so, how did you respond? Did you modify the curriculum to fit the student's needs?