AR vs VR

Augmented reality and virtual reality are both really good uses of technology to aid the teacher and students in learning.  They are fairly new and could be useful in the classroom to help students learn in a different way, but I believe that these technologies shouldn't be relied on the most to aid students in learning.  I think that games that don't involve technology are just as good as virtual reality and augmented reality when it comes to helping the students learn.  A lot of times hands-on learning whether they are being taught or learning through physical activities like games, help a child's brain develop well too.  I like augmented reality better than virtual reality because I feel like the students are doing more hands-on learning and the students are more interactive when it comes to learning.  It is also fairly inexpensive whereas virtual reality is a lot more expensive. Augmented reality helps form students minds better than virtual reality can.  Augmented reality is a very diverse learning source, students are able to learn new languages, learn how to draw, learn new math skills, and so much more.  It is a great source for students and teachers to use, not every day but every once in a while, I think it is good to include augmented reality into lesson plans.  Virtual reality is not as much of a learning tool and able to tie into classroom lesson plans as well as augmented reality.  I can see augmented being used in my classroom in the future.  I really think that it is a good resource for the students to use as well as directed teaching styles and individual work.  It allows students to learn different subjects in a different way.  Students like change in routine, being able to use different tools in order to learn.  Doing the same thing every day in a classroom may have students be unmotivated to do work, but if the way you teach changes every once in a while will keep the students motivated to do the work asked and required of them.  I think augmented reality is going to be a great resource for teachers and students to use in the future!

Gamification, Yay or Nay?

Gamification is a fantastic resource and learning method for students to learn from.  There are so many games a student can pick from.  There are language learning games, drawing games, matching picture games to make different words/ combinations and much more.  Gamification is a very engaging resource for students.  There also is a lot to consider when using it in the classroom such as making sure that the games your students are playing are appropriate for the age group that you are working with.  Also making sure that the gamification that your students are using does not require them to have their own device.  Most students depending on the age group won't have their own device that they can access the game from.  I think that the best example of a gamification that I have seen is the game Duolingo.  This game allows the student to learn a new language.  If the student sticks with using the gamification every day, the student is very possible to become fluent within three months.  This game is not only fun for the students but it is very educational.  I think that gamification is a good resource if you use games that accommodate the age group that you are teaching.  Some gamifications can be inappropriate for younger students, so choosing appropriate gamifications are extremely important.