Here is a website created by a Middle School Science Teacher (http://www.middleschoolscience.com/). After reviewing the website, I found it very useful for teachers who are teaching at that grade level. The teacher who created the site covers a variety of topics such as lesson planning, newslinks, resources that other teachers would find very useful and may possibly implement into their own classrooms. What I found most appealing about this website was the fact that students could check what they had for homework if they happened to be absent, sick, etc. Parents would also enjoy this site because they would be able to view what their child has for homework and print out the handout needed along with other resources they may use to help their child. The teacher's idea of including her lesson plan book was a brilliant idea. Lesson plans that were taught to students on a variety of topics are accessible to those who are interested or are seeking information covering that area.
Despite the many good aspects of the site, I found that the site lacked any visual appeal or graphics. Other than that, I found that the teacher provided a great deal of information that other teachers would find great use in and can adapt to their own lesson plan ideas.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Video Games in the Classroom!
What do you think about the use of video games, both those that have natural ties to the curricular and those that are popular among students? Is there a place for them in your classroom?
When I think of video games, I think of how enjoyable it would be and interesting for students to take part in if it related to the course material being taught in class. I am a big fan of video games that relate to the curriculum and help enhance instruction because it would really keep students on their toes and interested throughout the whole process. I am a visual learner, so I know I'd be one of those students that would learn so much better through visuals and hands-on activities as opposed to plain text. There is always room for creativeness if teachers actually tried their best here and there to implement video games as part as center time or as a extra supporting tool. It can be used to review and reinforce material that's already taught.
On the other hand, I don't agree with the games that so many of our students love enjoying playing at home. Because I have witnessed students imitating the violent behavior or mimicking someone shooting a pistol. That behavior worries me because when students imitating that behavior they don't realize how unappropriate it is, especially if displayed in school. So, anything that promotes violence or what might have you, is completely unacceptable. I want my students coming into a learning classroom knowing that it is safe to be in without the worry of being bullied or harrassed by a student who may demonstrate that kind of behavior.
As long as games promote educational values and tie to the curriculum then I'd definitely use it!
When I think of video games, I think of how enjoyable it would be and interesting for students to take part in if it related to the course material being taught in class. I am a big fan of video games that relate to the curriculum and help enhance instruction because it would really keep students on their toes and interested throughout the whole process. I am a visual learner, so I know I'd be one of those students that would learn so much better through visuals and hands-on activities as opposed to plain text. There is always room for creativeness if teachers actually tried their best here and there to implement video games as part as center time or as a extra supporting tool. It can be used to review and reinforce material that's already taught.
On the other hand, I don't agree with the games that so many of our students love enjoying playing at home. Because I have witnessed students imitating the violent behavior or mimicking someone shooting a pistol. That behavior worries me because when students imitating that behavior they don't realize how unappropriate it is, especially if displayed in school. So, anything that promotes violence or what might have you, is completely unacceptable. I want my students coming into a learning classroom knowing that it is safe to be in without the worry of being bullied or harrassed by a student who may demonstrate that kind of behavior.
As long as games promote educational values and tie to the curriculum then I'd definitely use it!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Games in Your Classroom
In my teaching, I don't have any opportunities to share powerpoint games, let alone simulations with my students. At the school I work at, because we are constantly given and told what to teach, that leaves no time for creativity or just free time to spend time with students. I have had limited chances to work or create powerpoint games. I recall in my undegraduate years, I had to complete a powerpoint game. Also, in our IT 5120 we had to create a powerpoint presentation that would be considered a game, it involved questions about the life cycle of a butterfly, etc. So, that was pretty much all the experience I've had with powerpoint games.
If I were given the opportunity to use games in my classroom, I'd use them in a number of ways in my classroom. I'd use them to cover different subjects such as math, science, social studies, and literacy. My main reason of using games is not because they are a creative way to present information, but most importantly to reinforce material that was already presented. I'd have powerpoint games set up at a number of computers in the classroom and use them during center time, which would give each student an opportunity to engage in the activity.
When I think of educational games, I think of how they could enhance and stimulate my student's thinking and learning processes. Some teachers might think, "What would a student gain out of playing a game in class?" Does it benefit them at all? I've come across a number of teachers who have thought that and are not willing to accept that games can be educational and could very well benefit students who are more active and learn better with visuals. I feel it's a matter of presenting a variety of resources to your students and figuring out what works best for their learning styles. Having powerpoint games set up in your classroom would especially work for those students who lack the motivation and have a hard time grasping material during a certain subject. For example, a student who is having a hard understanding the different planets of the solar system during a science lesson could help him comprehend the characteristics of all nine planets, while being engaged in the activity itself.
The ways of using games in a classroom are endless. I believe that as long as they are put to good use and not overused, they can contribute to a student's way of learning class material and enhancing what they already know. It's up to teachers to do just that and keep the creativeness going.
If I were given the opportunity to use games in my classroom, I'd use them in a number of ways in my classroom. I'd use them to cover different subjects such as math, science, social studies, and literacy. My main reason of using games is not because they are a creative way to present information, but most importantly to reinforce material that was already presented. I'd have powerpoint games set up at a number of computers in the classroom and use them during center time, which would give each student an opportunity to engage in the activity.
When I think of educational games, I think of how they could enhance and stimulate my student's thinking and learning processes. Some teachers might think, "What would a student gain out of playing a game in class?" Does it benefit them at all? I've come across a number of teachers who have thought that and are not willing to accept that games can be educational and could very well benefit students who are more active and learn better with visuals. I feel it's a matter of presenting a variety of resources to your students and figuring out what works best for their learning styles. Having powerpoint games set up in your classroom would especially work for those students who lack the motivation and have a hard time grasping material during a certain subject. For example, a student who is having a hard understanding the different planets of the solar system during a science lesson could help him comprehend the characteristics of all nine planets, while being engaged in the activity itself.
The ways of using games in a classroom are endless. I believe that as long as they are put to good use and not overused, they can contribute to a student's way of learning class material and enhancing what they already know. It's up to teachers to do just that and keep the creativeness going.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)