Gaming

Gaming in the Classroom

     The most effective learning occurs when students (adults/children) are actively engaged in the learning process! During my experiences working with children, I have often found that children no matter what find games and computers fascinating. Gaming must be incorporated into the learning process in order to hold the attention of children! In the second Prensky article, the author suggests, "It is important for teachers to take their students' gaming seriously, rather than disrespectfully dismiss their playing as a waste of time, and to respect both the time that goes into game playing and the learning that comes out of it. After all, the short attention spans that teachers often lament in their students somehow disappear when the kids get in front of their games -- that is, in front of learning that is more  their learning style." Incorporating gaming into the learning process is an awesome concept! As educators, we must arrive at the point where learning becomes student-centered. We must meet students where they are, find out what interests them and incorporate that knowledge into subjects we must teach! Gaming is a perfect way to do this! Gaming would make learning more interesting. From our readings this week, the 2010 Horizon Report suggested, "the feeling of working toward a goal; the possibility of attaining spectacular successes; the ability to problem-solve, collaborate with others, and socialize; an interesting story line; and other characteristics. These qualities are replicable, though they can be difficult to design well, and they can transfer to games featuring educational content" were all benefits of using gaming in the classroom!

Three Sites

     Though all of the sites were interesting in one way or another, three stood out. The first site was entitled, Game Classroom. It was an interactive homework website for K-6 students, parents, and teachers and covered the subjects of math and language! Each subject was broken down according to the skills. For example, under language, comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary were among the skills included! Under math, subjects such as fraction, algebra, addition, and subtraction were among the many! T

     The second site, PBS-K and primary, was another wonderful, colorful site that assisted students using appealing cartoon-like characters in order to teach children everything from coloring, ABCs, and dressing up through music and song!

      The third site, Arcademic Skillbuilders which teaches math concepts where students use colorful, fast-moving cars to solve mathematical problems!

Benefits of Using These Three Sites in the Classroom

     Not only do these games and sites invite children to build skills or solve problems. But there are "hidden" benefits and skills gained from incorporating them into classroom subjects. Not only are the students actively engaged, but the ability to make decisions under stress is also taught. In Prensky's second article for the week, he suggests, "making decisions under stress, working in teams, and persistence is taught. All three of these sites teach these skills to children during the primary years in addition to those mandated by the curriculum! Another benefit to these sites is that they mirror cartoon characters which are appealing to young children! What better way to break up the monotony of teaching certain subjects than instead of using paper and pencil using colorful cartoon characters that hold the attention of children! Even the soft music that plays in the background sets the mood for learning!

   The world of technology is changing second by second! We must prepare our children to compete globally, nationally, and locally! Gaming and simulators  are an awesome way to do this!

    Combining fun experiences with learning is the way to create optimal learning experiences for our children. The use of simulators and games are the vehicles educators must use on the avenue to academic excellence!