Part 1: Prepare

In the realm of digital literacy and technology, I think I stand at a point that is slightly above average when it comes to knowing how to use technology and its various resources. When dealing with multimedia technology such as video games, cell phones, cameras, and laptops, I am very good at being able to figure out how to perform atleast the basic functions on each. However, I am also to usually use each item more than just for its basic programs. In the school-oriented category, I mostly use Microsoft Office and the internet as a basis for all of my work and research. I am very familiar with both programs and am very comfortable using them on my own without any help. In the play-oriented category, I would also consider myself very skilled in the area of online games, youtube, facebook, twitter, and anything else used for entertainment.

As far as improvement is concerned, I don't really think that I need much improvement in any of the above areas. At the present time, I am able to perform tasks and use each program and item as needed. While I do not know how to use and maneuver each piece of technology fully, I do know enough about them to get all of my goals and tasks accomplished. I am a user of the computer and of technology and different tools; therefore, I am familiarized with all of the basic functions of each piece of technology plus some, but if i wanted to become more of a creator or entrepreneur through the online world, I would have a lot of learning to do.

When dealing with which area I am stronger in, I would have to say that it would be in the category of entertainment oriented technology. I am a frequent user of facebook, youtube, social networking sites, etc... So I would say that entertainment technology is my strongest point of the three categories.

1/21/2010

In the article, "Digital Game-Based Learning," Marc Prensky argues that video and computer games should increasingly start becoming the new method of teaching when it comes to children and learning. Prensky states that although research supports the fact that children can and do learn numerous amounts of skills and information from video and computer games, many parents and teachers still consider them harmful and a detriment to a child's education. Prensky uses his argument to convince readers that video and computer games not only educate children, but they also keep them entertained and focused while doing so, unlike the "boring" lessons taught in classrooms. He is trying to persuade readers to believe in this new form of education, just like he does. Prensky is convinced that children are satisfied and enthusiastic about this new and upcoming way of learning, and he is trying to convince parents and teachers to be satisfied and enthusiastic about digital game-based learning as well. Prensky believes that what attracts kids to video and computer games is not the violence and the subject matter, but rather the learning the games provide instead. "Kids, like all humans love to learn when it isn't forced upon them," Prensky states. Prensky argues that since children have a better attitude toward digital game-based learning than they do towards school, that the education system should shift its curriculum from classroom lessons to video and computer game-based learning.