Assignment 1: I really enjoyed using gamestarmechanic.com and I can imagine students would really like using the interactive games on this website. It was really cool seeing the short graphic novels that are used on the quest tab. It seems like these books are becoming very popular. As our language seems to be shifting students now need to remember less words ad phrases. Using quest mode allows students to read a story line as well as problem solving skills. Though basic the games which are part of the allow students to experience different yet still important skills. I do get sucked into games and have currently taken an interest in app building. I downloaded an app builder recently but haven’t had time to use it yet. Apps are the next step in the way we will teach our children.
Assignment 2: I think it is important to use games in the classroom when found effective. If students are playing a game in the classroom they are more likely to be interested because they have a bigger role in their own education. Although if at home I ask my students to play an educational game for homework, they are probably going to play the game Call of Duty “Black ops” instead. I have used a game to help students learn how to read rulers. http://www.rsinnovative.com/rulergame/
Games are very helpful when students are supervised. It seems to be the new hands on experience. Students are likely to become even more dependent on electronic devices where they will gather information and write about it even more frequently then we are now doing.
Assignment 4: Edmodo is an excellent tool for education. It allows students to check on homework assignments online rather then wasting class time writing down the information. I like how the site uses the same layout as Thefacebook. ELA teachers can use the site as a post for blogs or even links to information students need to read for homework. Students can post writing assignments and while teachers can post grade for assignments rather then receiving them in class. Instead of having students use search engines information can be narrowed down by posting a list of links. I like that teachers can even quiz students while they aren’t even in class.. Because they have used a similar design and layout as facebook has students may really like posting their information onto the blog area. It also allows students to ask questions they may have been to shy to aks in class.
Definitely turning the playing games (equivalent reaing) to designing games (equivalent of writing). When students design games, they need to apply new literacies practices (researching and identifying a specific game to design, locating and evaluating resources, synthesizing all information gathered, and building the game). Throughout this process, collaboration should be the key to establish a learning community among students. Game design or app design and development can benefit students in many aspects of learning!
ReplyDeleteI would like to learn more about your philosophy on using games to enhance learning.
This ruler game looks helpful. Maybe you can create a game scenario related to what you are teaching? :-)
Great idea for ELA teachers to use Edmodo! :-)