What a cool blog! Loved your research and presentation with game-based learning. Some of the pictures of the old gaming systems remind me of my childhood. If you had the materials, would you use Dance Dance Revolution in your classroom? I have a colleague that brings in his personal home gaming system and has kids sing karaoke as a reward (or right before Winter or Summer break). It gets great response from the kids, but really doesn’t instruct. In the general music classroom, there are a number of sites I’ve used in instruction (recognizing note names, learning about the instruments, recognizing pitches) and the children have been very receptive. I would love to have students have their own device to participate in games, but I have used the Smart Board. If I had individual devices I might be able to do more long range projects and activities that are higher order thinking.
Barbara, I would absolutely love to use DDR in my classroom! There are many dance and other interactive games that PE teachers are using across the country with great success. Students are up and moving; they are being social; they are learning lifetime skills; etc. I think that is a great idea for students to use their own device. There are a lot of grants available specifically for technology. A lot of the grants are not used because teachers don't know about them so it would be beneficial to do some research and see what's available.
Courtney - great job with your blog! I've been looking into more game-based learning through the use of my computer and the Smart Board. With my Mac and the new Mountain Lion software, I'm able to download/purchase games and then use them interactively with my students. I don't teach Geography, but my favorite "extra time" game is the States/Capitals game. I have found some Language Arts games, but I'm still looking for some higher level content for my 8th graders. A lot of the games are more at an elementary level, which is great reinforcement, but I think they need more of a challenge. Now that you are finished your blog and research, have you incorporated any of your knowledge into your classes (or do you plan to)?
Hey Juliana, Thanks! I have not incorporated any games yet because I have zero technology devices available to me. This summer, I plan on talking with my principal to see if I can get at least a projector so that at the minimum I would be able to hook up game systems to the projector. My goals, in addition to a projector, are to attain a dance, dance, revolution gaming system and an Xbox 360. I would not use these gaming devices all the time but rather as supplements to my dance curriculum and fitness curriculum.
Hi Coutney! This is a great blog, I love using games in the classroom. I have always been reluctant about using digital games besides the ones that are provided on the school's website. I never realized all the different types of technology that was out there that could be used to enhanced student learning. How do you think the students will handle playing a Playstation in the classroom? I love the idea, but I'm just nervous they will get so excited and behavior could hinder their learning. I am looking forward to researching these ideas for my own classroom!!
Hi Kristin! Thanks! I think with games, just like everything in the classroom being used for the first time, it would need to be modeled how to use the game and what the learning aspect of it should and would look like. I also think that in order to keep students engaged for a long period of time, it's important to not overuse the games. We all know that when students are bored learning typically does not take place. We certainly wouldn't want to overuse the games to the point where they get used to them and then show no interest in them anymore.
Hi Courtney! You did a great job with this blog! I always felt that there was a separation between playing virtual games and the classroom. The more I teach and research, it seems that virtual games have a place in the classroom. I teach Math and my students create a profile on Math Playground, which we visit throughout the year. It's amazing to see how engaged students are when they are playing games. I am looking forward to what happens in the future with games and mobile devices!
Hey Matt! Thanks! I also used to think that games were more of a down-time activity done at indoor recess or if a student was finished an assignment early. Now though I see that virtual games came assist both the teacher and the student with the lesson. A great thing about the games is that since they are games, most of the time students don't even realize that they are learning something.
Hi Courtney Great job on your blog! I like idea of game based-learning. Kids who see work or learning tend to run away from it. When it is turned it a game and something fun to do they'll do it without any problems. I know that there are many games to choose from, but how do you choose the right game for that particular lesson? I have used games with math and some with grammar but it is hit or miss. Plus you will have to find the appropriate game that interests the students.
David, Thanks! I think in the beginning, it is going to be trial and error to determine which games work best. I'm sure there are probably reviews to read about games but other than that I think it would just take time in class to determine if students: 1- like it and 2- if it is effective.
Courtney, I love your blog! Game based learning is a great technique. Now, kids are playing games younger and younger. In fact, my five-year-old learned how to add and subtract playing games on my iPhone! Do you have any games that you like to use in your classroom?
What a cool blog! Loved your research and presentation with game-based learning. Some of the pictures of the old gaming systems remind me of my childhood. If you had the materials, would you use Dance Dance Revolution in your classroom? I have a colleague that brings in his personal home gaming system and has kids sing karaoke as a reward (or right before Winter or Summer break). It gets great response from the kids, but really doesn’t instruct. In the general music classroom, there are a number of sites I’ve used in instruction (recognizing note names, learning about the instruments, recognizing pitches) and the children have been very receptive. I would love to have students have their own device to participate in games, but I have used the Smart Board. If I had individual devices I might be able to do more long range projects and activities that are higher order thinking.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteI would absolutely love to use DDR in my classroom! There are many dance and other interactive games that PE teachers are using across the country with great success. Students are up and moving; they are being social; they are learning lifetime skills; etc. I think that is a great idea for students to use their own device. There are a lot of grants available specifically for technology. A lot of the grants are not used because teachers don't know about them so it would be beneficial to do some research and see what's available.
Courtney - great job with your blog! I've been looking into more game-based learning through the use of my computer and the Smart Board. With my Mac and the new Mountain Lion software, I'm able to download/purchase games and then use them interactively with my students. I don't teach Geography, but my favorite "extra time" game is the States/Capitals game. I have found some Language Arts games, but I'm still looking for some higher level content for my 8th graders. A lot of the games are more at an elementary level, which is great reinforcement, but I think they need more of a challenge. Now that you are finished your blog and research, have you incorporated any of your knowledge into your classes (or do you plan to)?
ReplyDeleteHey Juliana, Thanks! I have not incorporated any games yet because I have zero technology devices available to me. This summer, I plan on talking with my principal to see if I can get at least a projector so that at the minimum I would be able to hook up game systems to the projector. My goals, in addition to a projector, are to attain a dance, dance, revolution gaming system and an Xbox 360. I would not use these gaming devices all the time but rather as supplements to my dance curriculum and fitness curriculum.
DeleteHi Coutney! This is a great blog, I love using games in the classroom. I have always been reluctant about using digital games besides the ones that are provided on the school's website. I never realized all the different types of technology that was out there that could be used to enhanced student learning. How do you think the students will handle playing a Playstation in the classroom? I love the idea, but I'm just nervous they will get so excited and behavior could hinder their learning. I am looking forward to researching these ideas for my own classroom!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin! Thanks! I think with games, just like everything in the classroom being used for the first time, it would need to be modeled how to use the game and what the learning aspect of it should and would look like. I also think that in order to keep students engaged for a long period of time, it's important to not overuse the games. We all know that when students are bored learning typically does not take place. We certainly wouldn't want to overuse the games to the point where they get used to them and then show no interest in them anymore.
DeleteHi Courtney! You did a great job with this blog! I always felt that there was a separation between playing virtual games and the classroom. The more I teach and research, it seems that virtual games have a place in the classroom. I teach Math and my students create a profile on Math Playground, which we visit throughout the year. It's amazing to see how engaged students are when they are playing games. I am looking forward to what happens in the future with games and mobile devices!
ReplyDeleteHey Matt! Thanks! I also used to think that games were more of a down-time activity done at indoor recess or if a student was finished an assignment early. Now though I see that virtual games came assist both the teacher and the student with the lesson. A great thing about the games is that since they are games, most of the time students don't even realize that they are learning something.
DeleteHi Courtney
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your blog! I like idea of game based-learning. Kids who see work or learning tend to run away from it. When it is turned it a game and something fun to do they'll do it without any problems. I know that there are many games to choose from, but how do you choose the right game for that particular lesson? I have used games with math and some with grammar but it is hit or miss. Plus you will have to find the appropriate game that interests the students.
David,
DeleteThanks! I think in the beginning, it is going to be trial and error to determine which games work best. I'm sure there are probably reviews to read about games but other than that I think it would just take time in class to determine if students: 1- like it and 2- if it is effective.
Courtney, I love your blog! Game based learning is a great technique. Now, kids are playing games younger and younger. In fact, my five-year-old learned how to add and subtract playing games on my iPhone! Do you have any games that you like to use in your classroom?
ReplyDelete