What is "ThingLink?" and how does it stack up to the "Old Fashioned" way of learning??
There are several new technology apps that provide ways to interact with others, especially during trainings. It really is amazing to see how technology has evolved, and what is available to help convey ideas or theories to students/learners.
ThingLink is a platform that allows users to create interactive images and videos. You can add links, information, and multimedia content to specific parts of your image or video, making it engaging and informative. Although this app can be utilized in many different educational scenarios, the one scenario that grabbed my attention was virtual fieldtrips!!
How in the world is this possible?? I come from an era that thrived on school field trips!! Is it possible to provide the same experience virtually? I guess it depends on how you look at it. I think the whole idea of a field trip is to get away, to share an experience with your class and teachers. On the other hand, however, this allows educators to cater to the individuals who may not be able to attend a school field trip, due to various reasons. It allows for an all inclusive learning opportunity to be provided to all students. It also allows for students to have their experience at different times. I see the pros and the cons. On one hand, a field trip should be just that, a trip that allows for different experiences in a different location than normal with your fellow students and educators. However, ThingLink has the ability to provide the same curriculum to students at the touch of a button.
The question here is, do you prefer an "old fashioned " field trip, or has technology provided an opportunity that can't be beat??
Jesse, great job with this blog! It was great to learn about thinglink. I mean How great of a concept to be able to reach all of those who can’t actually attend the field trip like you mention. This could without a doubt be super beneficial to those who want to attend things in person but can’t always attend in person!
ReplyDelete"I have never heard of ThingLink before, nor have I ever written a blog. However, the way you set it up and explained it to me was easy to understand. I am interested in learning to use other blogs to my advantage, and now I will certainly check out ThingLink. Thank you for the clear explanation. The content is great. Take care!"
ReplyDeleteHi Jesse, your question of preference between an old fashioned or a technological experience is a good question. Because of technology, we have opportunities to experience, share and compare events that would otherwise be unavailable. This is neat! It is also so neat that it might have a tendency to become a substitute for the real life experience, even though real life might have been an option. Where possible or feasible, the "old fashioned" seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting experience should be prioritized. Strange to think that the "old fashioned" way is actual real life.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of thinklink but I'm aware of the miraculous virtual experiences are becoming more a way of life. Where the full, five-sense experience isn't particularly germane, I say go virtual, especially if there would otherwise be no experience at all. It's good to have both options.
Great tool and great thoughts, Jesse.