This article is very interesting, because it talks about using interactive tools, and websites to help students succeed in the classroom. The article first starts off by talking about how students would like to see an interactive and open line of communication with their teacher and fellow classmates. They want to see more of a forum where they can post questions, or concerns that can possibly be answered on line via their classmates. The rest of the article gives various accounts of teacher's who are either in favor of interactive learning through the web, or those who oppose having the Internet. One teacher says he uses games to help kids understand the term "Diplomacy" by having them watch and play games that are set in a war time period in history. He wants them to understand the value of decision making, and also how to be diplomatic when it comes to treaties. Below is a quote that I found to be most interesting " good games…and facilitate active and critical learning and thinking. In the classroom,games can motivate students to work toward a goal, and cultivate collaborative problem-solving skills." (pg. 14)
The quote above is the reason why I am a little hesitant personallyto accept online games, video games as a valid source to get your education from. The whole idea of having an open chat room is an amazing idea, because I see the benefits that I have here at the University where all of my resources are just a click of a button away. If teachers and kids want to participate it one then that to me is a good thing. I also think that if I were given the opportunity to play games online, or even have the chance to learn from a more hands on approach I would like to think I could have done a lot better in school. This is a great way to appeal o all of our kinestitic learners out there. Overall I think that this article was easy to read and well written,but I think more importantly it gave me a little more inclined to freely accept games, and video games as a valid source of information.
Hi Andrew,
ReplyDeleteGood post. There are a couple of interesting points that you brought up after reading the article. As you mentioned, we needn't look farther than our own classes here at CSUSM to see the benefits of having online communication with professors and our fellow students. Being able to connect outside of class time is hugely beneficial when a student is trying to keep ideas learned in class fresh. Forums are a very useful tool because they allow students to use each other as resources and sounding boards. It is a very collaborate way to learn.
I agree with your sentiments about using games, as well. The potential is there for games to help reinforce ideas in a fun way but it is necessary for the games to be very engaging without sacrificing the educational value. These days, kids have so many choices when it comes to gaming that it seems difficult for educational games to compete. That said, if an educator learns how to use helpful games in conjunction with a lesson, it could help deepen a student's understanding of the concepts the instructor wants to convey.
-Collin