AI in the Classroom Tetrad (Mod 2)

AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the Online Classroom (Elon University/Pew Internet Project, n.d.)

AI in online education provides individualized instruction customized for each learner.
AI would make traditional teachers obsolete.
AI mass produces private tutoring, previously own available to the famous and wealthy.
AI replaces the need for generalized lesson plans that meet the needs of multiple learning styles.

Progression: AI in the online classroom exists today. It already exists in the online classroom. Educational software monitors an individual's skills, assesses, supports, and encourages learning using artificial intelligence. Jump Start's Reader Rabbit set my children up for success at the turn of the century. Today, the same model supports Pearson's MyMathLab, MyWritingLab, and other simulations supportive of AI instruction. At my university, we employ Capsim, a business simulation, and Labsim, an information technology simulation. Both are facilitated by activities that support learning, based on AI to route the student to appropriate levels and tutorials when they succeed or need additional support.

I expect it won't be long before online courses will include individualized avitars that facilitate the course navigation, material, and eventually discussions.

Reference:

Capsim. http://www.capsim.com/business-simulations/homepage.cfm?CFID=646435&CFTOKEN=52520757

Elon University/Pew Internet Project. (n.d.). Imagining the Internet: A history and forecast: Forward 150 timeline. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.elon.edu/e-web/predictions/forward150years.pdf

Labsim. http://www.testout.com/

Thornburg, D. D. (2008). Emerging technologies and McLuhan's Laws of Media. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.

Emerging Technology (Mod1)

iPad

Challenges:

• The iPad is incompatible with Flash, a common technology for delivering online quizzes.
  
• Inability to download alternate browsers to access sites incompatible with Safari.
  
• Weak wifi issues (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2362319,00.asp).
  
• Need for high power usb for charging, outlook sync problems, not a phone (http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/portable-computing/10-common-ipad-problems-solved-684416).
  
• Inability to multitask, no camera, no usb port, screen is not eye friendly, expensive, apps are screened (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/29/apple-ipad-review-photos_n_441770.html?slidenumber=Vz%2B%2FHSDZbd0%3D&slideshow#slide_image).

Benefits: The iPad provides convenient access to communication and productivity tools. Easily portable, for travel and general use.

Areas of improvement: Improve issues noted above.

http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/?kmed=ppc&gclid=CMjR7NiH16cCFQcBbAodFRzW9g

Image from http://inhabitat.com/how-green-is-apples-ipad/