How far should educators go in matching the technology used in instruction and classroom activities to the technology their students use?

I think it is important for teachers to encourage their students to use multiple forms of technology, but only if the teacher spends time teaching and going over the specific aspects of the technology the student is expected to use.

Are online chats and instant messaging of value in the classroom? Do they add to student learning, or do they distract from �real� instruction?

Using chats and instant messaging of value in the classroom depends entirely on the age and maturity of the students. Chats can be very distracting to those with a short attention span. But they can also be beneficial to older students to communicate with their classmates and teachers to lower the distractions in the classroom during work time by eliminating verbal communication which can make it difficult for some students to focus.

Are there benefits to asynchronous, text-based communication over synchronous, face-to-face communication? In what situations?

There are benefits to all. Some students get distracted or overwhelmed if they have more than one thing going on at the same time. Text-based communication works well while everyone in the classroom is working a project because it allows for the classroom to remain quiet. Face to face communication is preferred in other aspects when there are classroom discussions or are working on a complicated project and what is discussed/said could benefit the entire class.

Does using podcasts with students really enhance learning, or is it simply a newer version of passively delivering information?

I honestly don't think using podcasts enhance learning. It is just is another way deliver information.

Does videogame help develop your studying? Why or why not? Explain. What skills can you gain from it? Do you agree with the article? If you have children, would you let them play videogame every day? Why/why not?

Video gaming to a certain extent can develop your studying. It helps students to learn by doing, which is the most common way people learn. If I have children I will allow my children to play videogames. I don't know if I would allow it everyday though. I would prefer my children to be "well-rounded" when it comes to learning and be able to learn in a variety of ways.