1. What are the "affordances" and "constraints" of the technology? In other words, what does the technology allow us to do or prevent us from doing?
-This technology allows students to learn material in a fun and interesting way. Instead of sitting through teacher lectures, or group activities, they can play these games on the computer and while they are "fighting off a dragon" they can really be learning new multiplication skills, etc. A constraint of the technology may be that some of the learning games out there are fairly dull and lacking in the necessary motivation.
2. What new skills do we need to teach the students?
-The students would have to have a thorough knowledge of how to use computers, how to access the games, and then how to correctly play them. And sometimes, depending on the lessons being taught, there are certain games they are allowed to play and certain other ones they are not- so they'd have to know the difference.
3. What will I need to do differently in terms of how I teach in the classroom? How will teaching and learning look different?
- I almost feel like gaming can help teachers teach their lessons. I feel like teaching can be improved through not only using computer games in their classroom, but also creating games to accompany their lessons. Children learn a great deal through games because when it is fun and engaging, they are much more interested in learning the material- just as if they were the actual rules of the game.
4. How does the technology help me foster creativity, innovation, and some of the other 21st century skills?
-Well, as a lot of 21st century skills revolve around the use of computers, gaming is one step in that direction. Gaming also promotes their learning growth, and so the more they can learn from gaming, the more they can benefit at school.
5. What are some ways I can use this technology in the classroom?
- I can use it for free time! Not only is it fun for the kids, but it gets them learning, so it's an awesome tool to use when they have some free time. One of my co-ops would use it as a motivational tool, so if the kids would get their work done in a certain amount of time, they could go on the computers and play the games.
There are so many different types of educational games that are so great! I agree with you that gaming can help teachers teach their lessons because sometimes a game will be able to motivate students better than an activity. I also really like using it as motivation to finish other work... seems like a great (and educational) incentive!
ReplyDeleteWhat do we consider a game? Drilling math facts and getting to shoot little pesky bugs? Or unlocking levels that lead to clues about a larger curricular question? Something more along the lines of what students play outside of school, but focused on content? As teachers using gaming, these are questions we need to answer. Also, what is the value of students creating their own games and understanding the principles behind good game design and problem solving?
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