OLR Exercises - Topic 3: Augmented Reality, Gaming and Mobile Computing

Exercise 3.1: The Battle of Wesnoth

I have just spent over an hour trying to play this game. I visited the website, read the instructions, and joined the site. I wanted to try a tutorial or walk through, but the links in the contents pages just sent me around in circles. I could not work out how to get it to play. I am not really interested in games myself, and so decided not to waste anymore of my time.

I believe there is great value for ICT games in education. There is evidence to suggest boys in particular are more engaged in education when using ICT. Many of these role playing games require the understanding of senarios and the reading and understanding of instructions (literacy). Users often have to use problem solving and strategic skills to compete. Some games also include points or monetary rewards and buying of equipment, therefore including an opportunity to practise maths and economics.

Exercise 3.2: Mobile Computing Research

What is the educational value of online mobile games and mobile social network access?
Wireless technology: issues and opportunities for improved workflow

Wireless technology offers many benefits to education. Earlier this year, the Victorian Government began a 3 year netbook trial in many regions of Victoria. In the Loddon Malle Region, grade 6 students have been provided with netbook computers, and school wireless connections have been upgraded to allow students to access the Internet. My grade 6s enjoy the freedom of being able to access the Internet to find out information and play online games to support their learning.

Wireless technology has meant that the netbooks can be used anywhere, anytime, which means we are not hindered by the physical constraints of being plugged into a network. This creates a much more flexible learning space for the students. We can work in the classroom, in the library, in the computer lab or even outside if desired.

Previously using computers tended to be an isolating experience for many students. The classroom computers were situated so that students faced the wall and were therefore isolated from others in the classroom, making it difficult to collaborate. With wireless technology and the netbooks, the students are now able to sit in groups, collaborate and provide help to each other in ways that were impossible before.

Students are able to take the netbooks home and most are able to access the Internet at home. More and more places are providing wireless access so that the Internet is available anywhere anytime.

The students currently use Superclubs Plus as a social networking tool. They are able to chat, email and participate in forums with students from other schools in an environment that is mediated to ensure students are safe from inappropriate content. In the not to distant future, I am hoping to begin using blogs, wikis and nings in order to share information with students such as up to date information about class related issues, weekly time tables, homework and project topics. Having wireless, mobile technology will mean the students will be able to access this information from anywhere.

Some issues with wireless connections include:
bandwidth issues: if the bandwidth is not big enough connection may be slow, may drop out, or not all users will be able to access the Internet at the same time. The Government is currently increasing bandwidth in schools, which will eventually alleviate this issue.

security issues: other wireless devices are able to access wireless connections. Firewalls and network systems that require passwords can help prevent this issue.

Any technology has issues and requires technical support to be successful. The issues around wireless technology seem minor compared with the benefits access to wireless technology can have.