Focus Question: How can teachers use computer games and simulations as learning resources?
As the book states, when most teachers, parents and students hear the idea of using games to learn, they automatically think video games; and actually that's exactly right. Instead of thinking negatively about video games we need to stop being blindsided by the inaccurate acquisition of them all being violent, being rated for a mature audience and the main cause for our youths deterioration. Of course these are always going to be out and available, but by being an effective teacher, we can implement games that are designed to be fun, and even teach a full lesson. By playing games to learn the students are still applying all their academic skills. When playing a game are there not directions they must read and follow, maybe a little math involved, but most of all the literacy and vocabulary that's hidden within the content of the application. Our students are improving their hand-eye coordination, reading and responding. I agree with our book when it says, "Gaming creates a "virtual worlds for learning."
Tech Tool: A math learning game- Zoombinis Logical Journey.
With today's world quickly advancing, always coming out with technologies, upgraded versions and more appealing ideals to students then just being a scholar, we as teachers need to be more creative, and especially working with little elementary school kids we need to be able to capture their attention despite the surrounding outside environment. I have discovered the Zoombinis Logical Journey is not only fun and creative, but there are many different levels, and there's not a one chance time to get the answer right, this game allows the students to learn from their mistakes, implementing real word strategies. This is also a critical thinking game, to sharpen those skills as well.
Summary:
To conclude, I have fallen victim to believing the myths of how games are bad for our youth and they only rot their minds, but now I know there is more to gaming then meets the eye. After reading this chapter, and exploring this Tech Tool I have gained further insight to different applications that can be even more entreating to our students and actually beneficial.
Resources:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/563155-zoombinis-logical-journey
Textbook - Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5
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Zoombinis is a good example for interdisciplinary game playing that really helps problem solving and higher level thinking skills ... and all for fun, too! :) Glad your open mind provided a foundation for seeing both sides of the dilemma for using games in education. Good credits, too!
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