moo-ing

I just wrapped up my web 2.0 reflection on my tech portfolio website, and it got me reminiscing about the ancient future of internet facilitated discourse, the MOO. A MOO is an multi-user, object oriented virtual space. I actually built an educational MOO as my senior project in college, called MOO-tropolis. I interned with an intellectual historian who was certain that electronically mediated communication would enable us to remake our very identity.

People connected from around the word to interact in these text-based environments. Many MOOs existed purely for entertainment, but others had higher aims, such as facilitating intellectual discourse (Postmodern Culture MOO) or revolutionizing the way we thought of classrooms (Diversity University). What's most intriguing about these environments nowadays is that a) no one has ever heard of them, and b) the way we approach education is mostly not revolutionized by their once-upon-a-time prevalence. This makes me think twice when I hear something claim it's going to change everything.


PMC MOO screenshot

I use, like, and benefit from modern technology, the internet, and "web 2.0" technologies, but I like to maintain proper perspective, too.

the khan academy

The Khan Academy bills itself as "The free classroom for the world." This useful website has video lessons and interactive exercises galore - math is highlighted, but there are lots of lessons in other disciplines (science, economics, history...) and they range from introductory to advanced. Take a look at this PBS NewsHour feature, then then go check it out yourself!



I tried out a few of the interactive math exercises - addition and multiplication. There's a helpful map on the first screen that organizes the math exercises, so students can see the progression of math concepts and select the appropriate exercise. The math exercises I investigated were all drills, so they would mainly be useful for children who just needed to bone up on their math facts. It could be that other exercises are more sophisticated, but I haven't delved deeply into the exercises section. Of course, those kids with comprehension problems can take a look at the lessons, too.

The main drawback of this site is that it requires a computer with internet access to utilize. While we assume that everyone is wired in this day and age, I have found that a lot of kids in my main placement school face significant challenges gaining access to computers. For your kids who do have computers, I'd recommend taking a look at this helpful site.