Gaming in the Classroom-Classroom 2.0
The discussion I followed was on using computer games in the classroom. In this context, “games” are any PC game that could be used in a classroom to enhance curriculum. One of the responses was posted by a teacher who has published articles in the UK on using games in the educational setting. He gave five important areas to consider before using games in a classroom. Since I will be switching from teaching second grade to fourth grade and possibly using games in my classroom next year I found his tips helpful. First, play the game yourself! This will give you a complete understanding of what will be required of the students. Second, plan for it. What are the learning objectives and how will you assess? How will the game support classroom learning? Third, make time and space for the game. Set ground rules and schedule time so it is accessible and fair to all students. Fourth, be positive and inclusive. Some students will be more adept at the game and may try to dominate play. Instead, use their abilities to help others. Finally, ensure accessibility for all students. Not all students have equal access to computer games outside of the classroom. Gaming in the classroom allows all students with different abilities equal opportunity to learn in a variety of ways, including visual, auditory and kinesthetic.
The discussion named quite a few games that various teachers have used successfully in the classroom to supplement learning. Games included SimCity (students designed and built 3D cities), Civilization, Age of Mythology, Carmen Sandiego, Oregon Trail, Roller Coaster Tycoon and Age of Empires to name of few. Discussions also centered on students making their own games using StageCast, Game Maker, Sauerbraten or Scratch. Many who responded also included links to web sites with further information on using games in the classroom. I found it interesting that one person even gave his del.icio.us account where he has tagged games he uses in his classroom. All in all, I found this discussion very informative and helpful.
4 comments:
I think gaming is a pretty cool idea. I recently read an article in News Magazine that talks specifically about board games that focuc on counting and spatial calculations. The information in the article read that students do better in math and science than those who have not been exposed to such games. The study was conducted using students from low SES environments. These students were given access to board games involving counting, and manipulation. The researchers found that these students did better in school than their counterparts who came from more affluent areas and DIDN'T have the same access to and hands-on experience with board games. I think the games you discuss on your blog could also be used in the same way these researchers feel they should, in order to help students.
I love the idea of gaming because it is a challenging way of making learning that much more fun! When we did the Wiki assignment and had to find websites that were interactive and designed for learning, I came across a number of websites that were intended for gaming for elementary school students. As I browsed the different educational gaming sites, I immediately pictured myself using similar websites in my own classroom in the future!
Gaming in the classroom is a great idea, because it makes learning fun. I remember having computer lab time with games like The Oregon Trail in school and it really lets you as a student connect to the information in a different way. The guidelines that you included are really great too, especially the one about planning for the game, because it could be easy to include a game without remembering to connect it back to the curriculum.
The five tips to think about in regards to gaming in the classroom. The two that I particularly thought about was that I should play the games before I try to use them in the class, and also that all the kids in my classroom can access the games. Overall I really hope to be able to find ways to use this in my classroom as I think it will be very beneficial.
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