Assignment # 2: Emerging Technologies & Online Presentation
Submitted to: William Tracey
Submitted by: Jerry Fewer
Date: October11, 2011
Lifeboat Simulator
The first technology that I have chosen to discuss is a lifeboat simulator. This technology provides students with the opportunity to experience real life launching and recovery procedures of lifeboats.
After teaching the theory portion of lifeboat procedures, it would be very advantageous to offer my students the opportunity to use a lifeboat simulator. This would provide the students with as close to real life experiences in a lifeboat as possible. According to Captain Anthony Patterson, CEO of Virtual Marine Technology Inc., lifeboat simulation bridges the gap between classroom theory and on the water experience. (Safer, March 16, 2011). From my own experience and observation of students actually using the controls of the lifeboat, I think the students would be a lot more comfortable at the helm if they had a few practice sessions first.
As of Friday, February 25, 2011, Marine Institute of NL is the only post-secondary institution offering simulation-based lifeboat training.
Advantages:
Ø A lifeboat simulator would enable the students to have a virtual view of what a lifeboat looks like, both inside and out.
Ø The students would see the various positions where equipment is stowed onboard a lifeboat.
Ø A simulator would increase the efficiency of the current lifeboat training.
Limitations:
Ø Cost. The cost of such equipment is astronomical.
References:
Christensen, Stephen. (March 4, 2011). Newfoundland Gets Virtual Marine Technology SurvivalQuest Lifeboat Simulator. Retrieved from http://www.techvibes.com/blog/newfoundland-gets-virtual-marine-technology-survivalquest-lifeboat-simulator-2011-03-04 on October 9, 2011.
New Simulation Technology at MI Improves Lifeboat Training. (February 25, 2011). Marine Institute News. Retrieved from http://www.mi.mun.ca/news/index.php?NewsID=144 on October 9, 2011
Safer, Andrew. (March 16, 2011). Offshore Personnel and Students Receive Simulator- based Lifeboat Training. Retrieved from http://news.seadiscovery.com/post/2011/03/16/Offshore-Personnel-and-Students-Receive-Simulator-based-Lifeboat-Training.aspx on October 9, 2011.
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Document Camera
The next technology that I wish to discuss is a document camera. Simply put, a document camera allows the instructor to place any document or object in front of the lens and the camera will project the image on to various types of technology. The image can be viewed on computer monitors, televisions or a projector screen.
In the classroom, a document camera would enable me to present magazine articles or some of the smaller items used in the practical portion of the courses to be displayed for everyone to see at the same time. I would be able to manipulate the item and the students would be able to see in real time exactly what is being done. The document camera also has the ability to capture still pictures and also to project images in 3-D form. This is a great feature that would enable students to get a better mental image of the item being discussed.
Advantages:
Ø The ability to capture still pictures of a step-by-step process when demonstrating a procedure.
Ø The capability of viewing in 3-D.
Ø The cost of the technology is fairly inexpensive.
Ø Ability to incorporate many different pieces of equipment.
Limitations:
Ø When manipulating an item by hand, you have to avoid sudden or quick movements. This will distort the image.
Ø Portability. The screens are not that portable. Some are, most are not.
References:
How Does a Document Camera Work? (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5263576_document-camera-work.html on October 3, 2011.
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SMART Board
The third technology that I am going to discuss is a SMART Board. I was surprised that this technology has been around since the early 1990’s. This technology incorporates the use of a computer, a projector and the SMART Board. Once everything is hooked up the projector displays an image of the computer on the SMART Board which in turn will enable you to use it as an interactive touch screen monitor.
This technology would be extremely beneficial in the classroom. There are so many resources available. Research on any topic could be done before hand and then presented to the students through this medium. I myself would incorporate actual footage of lifeboat operations, marine fire fighting and medical evacuation from vessels. To have the ability to draw on such resources in the classroom, I mean at your fingertips, would be tremendous.
Advantages:
Ø It’s a very colorful tool. Students tend to respond more favorably to displays when color is used.
Ø You can accommodate a variety of learning styles.
Ø It is interactive. This enhances the learning process.
Ø Instant access to an array of resources.
Limitations:
Ø Cost. These systems are very expensive. Access to SMART Boards will be limited because of this.
Ø Portability. The equipment is stationary.
References:
How Do Smart Boards Work? (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_5118340_use-smart-boards.html on October 7, 2011.
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