Listening to the statistic from Gamestar, it is not surprising that 97% of kids play video games. They are constantly connected to the internet through their cell phones, laptops, and video game system; those children are constantly exposed to the video gaming industry. If this is what children find interesting, why not use it in the classroom to enhance learning. Playing games teachers kids how to become critical thinkers as well as experiment and test their theories. On Gamestar Mechanics, the game alley section allows students to post games they created and receive feedback from other people playing their games. This all fits in perfectly with the new 21st century learning classroom. Creating games can become a cross curriculum assignment where students learn to program in math, design and implement in Art, and write scripts for the information boxes in ELA. Scratch is another program that works like Gamestar. Between the two gaming and programming sites, along with many other site, students become creative and are proud to take ownership of their work. In the ELA classroom, you can use Gamestar to discuss the 5 literary elements; character, plot, conflict, setting, and theme. Students can discuss and collaborate, learn to solve problems, make positive decisions, take risks, achieve goals and cooperate with others. The possibilities are endless for teachers when using gaming in the classroom.
My philosophy of using games in the classrooms
Gaming should be used by teachers to incorporate into their current curriculum. Gaming allows teacher to discuss topics that students are currently learning. It teaches the students to become problem solvers, experiment and test their theories, and achieve goals set forth. Students don’t realize their learning because their having fun “playing”.
For example, in math, when programming a scratch to move, you discuss angle relation, movement on a coordinate plane and points, slope, etc.. This can then be brought to ELA where students can write instruction for players.
Assignment#3 Game Scenario
Edmodo
- Students can write summaries after reading a chapter in a book. Classmates can then respond to summaries.
- Students can answer question while reading a specific chapter so they can remember the important points from the book.
- Teachers can post articles related to what the students are learning. This will give students real world perspectives.
- Teachers can post games related to what they are doing in class. This gives the student “extra practice” while having fun.
I also was not surprised by the 97% statistic. It seems like the range for kids playing video games has become much broader. I frequently sub in a 1st grade classroom, and most of the students are already playing video games. I agree when you said that teachers should use this to their advantage. The greater majority of students are very interested in playing video games. If teachers take advantage of this and allow students to play games that coincide with the topic they are currently teaching it kills two birds with one stone. The students would be motivated and remain interested while they are using their newly learned skills all at the same time.
ReplyDeleteSuper like the game scenario! This is similar to Dungeon Hunter. I am sure kids would love the game. :D
ReplyDeleteHi Christina! I really liked you game! It seems really fun and exciting. I like the characters that were involved. You really get a good sense of the game.
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