Presentations-Round 2

Katie Shaw-Digital divides in low-income schools
I thought Katie’s presentation was interesting in that many program implementations often focus mainly on the students. Incorporating the administration is a good start! I think the technology aspect needs to be understood from the top down otherwise the administrators might lack the vision it is going to take. I feel the education system is long overdue in supporting teacher’s and technology. Your project is taking a concerted approach in addressing the divide. The use of visual feedback (charts) is a good progression towards fostering support long term. I also like the idea of using conference time for families as well. Often making the family connection gives great insight to the child’s learning environment. I think it would be interesting to see outcomes of a program like this with intercity kids. Great presentation!

Beau Yancy-Gaming - What your mother warned U about
I thought this was a good subject to approach as there is so much misinformation and fear about gaming. The fact some kids or adults have seizures does not mean the gaming community as a whole is affected. If gaming led to depression every kid would be on Prozac! Technology feeds off gaming community is a good point and I think there is not enough awareness on how gaming impacts culture. I think society often confuses technology and gaming have no commonality and will always be separate entities. I like the surgery technology visuals and the military drones. I think it makes the connection that gaming is more than “play.” I think a good point to give emphasis is gaming has many facets and is evolutionary with the faster technology. Also, your point that gaming is no longer a pastime and its many applications in today’s technology is good. Great presentation!

James-Gaming
I thought your approach was interesting because people often do not think about the processes of gaming and learning together. I especially like the exploration into Braille and showing the patterning the brain does to work through strategies. I never thought about 3-D images in the brain and how we map images. Most of us just accept the autopilot process. Your point on representation and imagery becoming stronger through gaming is fascinating. And creating a new era of kids is interesting as well. Kids seem smarter every generation and I think you make a good point in the cultural changes it will have. Learning capacity and comprehension will give good support for your paper and I think you’re on to a great topic! Good job!

Hans- Social networks bridging the chasm
Well I think the sunglasses added the special effects! I like you’re looking at Silva and showing how social networks are more legitimate for schools and working environments. The 3 C’s is a good concept! I like your concept of content-Value correlated to content-Broadens content through connections. Create-Public spaces must be preserved in virtual reality. It made me think of how space is used and consumed. Also proposing that these will interact and bridging the gap of the “chasm” is a good support. Your argument that people interact and utilize content changes culture is interesting. I think a good point you made about connecting across borders. I think digital platforms are only going to get more complicated for some to migrate to, and the future of social media will help bridge that gap. Do you think social media plays a big role in bridging the gap of the divide for challenge (disabled) kids? I thought of this while you were presenting about how social media has opened doors to inclusion for all levels of interaction. Great job!

Spencer Towne- Games impact teens and young adults-Military
What roles do they play?
I liked your approach to how allusive gaming is in giving teens a false impression of actual combat. Often the military glorifies combat and gaming is a seductive tool. I think you have plenty of opposition in that the younger generation has an unrealistic view of the military at times. I think focusing on the tactics and how they build bad habits, enticement, and induce PTSD is good. I like that your contrasting the physical vs. virtual and the effects of both. I would definitely look at studies of social media in recruitment as a support. I would be interested to see if game simulations change the outcomes of real training. I like that you’re exploring the environmental aspects and how gaming creates desensitization. Do you feel gaming has any positive aspects to training? Good topic and presentation!