Roboprince
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Video Games in the Classroom
On a personal level, I think video games are a great way to gain student's attention and interest. Problem for me is I barely have time to incorporate all of the administratively-approved activities for my classroom (including my lesson plans and semester objectives). I have no time to create anything that adds-value for my students, and I'm not sure I can find a game that already exists that would either. While I see the value, I don't see the time to realistically accomplish this with the semester underway. I'm interested how others will incorporate them into their classes.
For me, this will be another technique for my Teacher's Toolbox, something that I can hopefully integrate into future classes at work.
For me, this will be another technique for my Teacher's Toolbox, something that I can hopefully integrate into future classes at work.
posted by vicvista at 1:46 PM
24 Comments:
Victor,
I have to agree with you on this one! There is barely anytime to integrate video games in the classroom because of the lack of time given to teachers to be creative. Because I work with elementary students, I could use either the computer lab or during center time to incorporate that. But, then it becomes a matter of researching the right and appropriate game to use. If you were given the opportunity to integrate games in your class, would you use them?
Hi Fihmiya,
Yes, given the opportunity, I think I would use the games with my class. I'm actually thinking how I can get something into my next semester (and next year for sure). My biggest constraint is time. Next to that, my administrators are pretty old-fashioned when it comes to lesson delivery so getting this pass them might not be the easiest to do. Do you complete liberty in the area of delivery?
Victor
Victor,
Like you, I also don't have the time for it yet in my teaching schedule. However, it seems like with the new GLCE's we're expecting to cover that I'll be able to find some time during the school year to incorporate some of the things we're discussing in this class. I'm anxiously awaiting for my students to get through the next 4 chapters in Chemistry so that I can have them my play the PowerPoint game I created!! As for video gaming.. that will have to wait a while! :)
Sincerely,
Duaa
Hi Duaa,
Knowing you, you'll find a way to get it all done. (Good luck with those 4 chemistry chapters!).
Victor
Hi Victor,
Thanks for commenting on my blog. Your "going over to the dark side" comment was priceless, and I had to laugh (heartily), particularly in relation to my own blog entry.
It seems to be a recurring theme among teachers that the curricular demands leave little, if any, time to fit in the "extras." If you had extra time, is there any particular activity we have discussed this semester that would take a front seat? (blogs, wikis, PPt game design, etc.)
~Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
Glad you enjoyed my attempt at humor...I need a little levity from time to time....it helps get me through the rough times.
I think of all the techniques we have studied so far, the wikis are the most useful way for me to disseminate information to my students. Do you have a preference?
Victor
As someone not currently working in a classroom setting, I did immediately find a use for the wiki. I created a wikispace to collaborate a huge family Thanksgiving celebration.
Aside from the wiki, I can really get behind students creating PowerPoint games. I somehow picture a "Dead Poets Society" scene of throwing out the text and the MEAP expectations. I then see moving forward, creating, learning, questioning, and understanding to meet the exact same objectives. Is this a pipe dream?
"Oh captain, my captain".....no, Kathleen, I don't think you're pipe-dreaming at all. You have captured the very essence of education (i.e. to get students to think and know themselves, and to consider other points of view).
Good post (and excellent analogy!). Do you think you could get administrative buy-in? What age group are you thinking about?
Victor
Victor,
I have a list of things to do, create, implement that seems to grow and never get completed. AS long as you know what you are trying is a work in progress, I wouldn't stress anything else.
Hi Leah,
Thanks for the advice re: understanding that what I am doing is a work in progress.
I think quite a bit of the stress I've been experiencing this semester is compounded by me thinking I have to produce work to be immediately used in my classroom.
Victor
Thats why i play my games at home not in school because i need to stay focus....
i feel the same
I think It would be fun if you had us play video games. That is a good way of learning things.
Hi Victor,
I also think that video games in the classroom will be great. All kinds of video games that have to do with creating a website or anything that we have done in the classroom will be a great idea. If we dont have time to try it out, we can make it work :)
Hi Victor,
Yes i think we should video games why because its a good way of us learning new things.
Hey favorite teacher.
I too agree that having video games in the classroom is very fundamentle. As children, it captures our attention because we love to play video games. Good idea, make it work
You are right and it would be pointless to go to school if you are going to play games there.
Mr. Williams,
I see where you're coming from. Especially when it comes to students in urban districts. I've found that those students get bored quickly and once their attention is lost, it's gone. I believe WHEN you find these video games that you're longing to find, it will make your class/classes even the more amazing!
Mr. Williams I completely agree. Me as a student i would love to have video games in the classroom. Video games play a big part in my life so i would love to help to make this a fantasy a reality. Hope to see it soon!
it would be cool to be able to play games as well as learn at the same time...great idea
mr.williams i will make playing video games the next way to get a education from schools or by being home school when i become the next big game designer.
I absolutely agrre with you because you should not be playing video games in the classroom. If you wanted to do that you should of stayed home.
they need to be fun mr.williams
Post a Comment
<< Home