About

From the initial stages of this subject I feel I have progressed immensely. I believe in the use of video games within the classroom. My eyes have been opened up to this new world. The future of education is heading towards the use of interactive technologies- I don’t want to miss the boat.
I would still consider myself a beginner but am happy to try these sorts of technologies within my classroom. It is so important for me to keep an open mind for the benefit of my students.
I believe the key to changing the curriculum towards the new generation of learners is to integrate the use of interactive technology with what already exists. The push is to find means of learning that motivates students to learn and therefore enables deeper learning.
I have not only progressed with my technological skills I have progressed in the way I think.
An area that i do wish to explore further is how ASSESSMENT will occur when using video games in the classroom. Ella created a podcat abuot assessing students blogs. I wonder if this will be a similar process??

Great website for teachers! Have a look!!
In a great deal of literature on Games there has been a common attitude among parents and teacher- video games are a waste of time and are violent. This is just one example of the attitudes people have towards video games.
This website is a MUST for teachers. It takes video games and breaks them up into their relevant KLA and then gives hints to teachers and parents about how to use them in an educational way. It is described as being a tool kit.
ITS FREE TO REGISTER!!!
Its fantastic. You can also see other peoples blogs about in each game and KLA. Teachers and parents can contribute by adding games, resources and comment.
e.g. Grand Theft Auto – San Andreas

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BLOG- Why The Makers Of A Video Game About Wolves Hope You’ll Stop Playing It
Posted by Patrick Klepek on 3/3/08 at 10:00 am

As I have been researching I came across this blog by Patrick Kelpek.
This was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to find someone who focused on a particular game. I wanted to have a resource that was tangible to teachers. He leaves the download for the game at the bottom of the page.
It is a very informed blog which highlights 4 steps teachers can take when trying to integrate the game in the classroom. Great for K-6 teachers.
Patrick also cites literature that teachers can use to rationalise the use of video games within their classroom.

The idea of Motivation as being a key to learning and learning success with ICT has been evident in a number of prospective teacher’s blogs. It seems that no matter what the topic area is Motivation is a reoccurring theme. For example Jenni posted that her son has reclaimed his love of learning through technology. By simply using the computer to complete homework he is motivated to learn. If this is the case for homework imagine taking the battle fighting video games that students play and lacing them with educational goal that do not disturbed the original motivations of a child to play.
Linda also looks at Motivation through podcasting…the possibilites are endless.

Ella gave an example in her post about online games. This example included students participating in Maths games on the computer and helping one another out which enhances their social skills. I agree with this comment but I wish to identify that there are different types of games.
There are the educational games that are already being used within schools such as online games within the Rainforest Maths website which are seen as acceptable forms of education. There is also another type of game, video games. These are seen to be the unacceptable and harmful time wasters. VISION takes a look at these sorts of games and how they can be adapted to the classroom.
I believe the motivation for a student to play one of these sorts of games would be amazing. If these types of games can have educational qualities seamlessly integrated into the already existing games we may reach the digital generation of students.

Jenni has commented that when teachers are using social software it will be time consuming especially if the teacher has little knowledge regarding the technology. In the area of Games and Simulations students will almost be guaranteed to have a greater knowledge. Students are interested in this technology.
I feel that this area for some teachers would be more daunting than other softwares. I’m not to sure how willing teachers will be to include these sorts of learning experiences in their program. I wonder if Kathy Cassidy would be willing to use ‘games’?? I’m sure once the teacher has rationalised the benefits of this sort of technology they will be more open.
The educational benefits of using games and simulations could be that it will motivate students to want to learn.

Through Ella’s video podcast she revealed that scaffolding is an effective way of learning. Mathew also commented on this in class suggesting that using LAMS in a class room is a means of scaffolding. Moving this point further i have found a web page that lists 8 characteristics of scaffolding WEB BASED learning. Tools such as the ‘noticeboard’ provide the teacher with the opportunity to provide clear directions in a task and reduce uncertainty, surprise and disappointment. Using the ‘noticeboard’ the teacher can clearly state instructions and expectations using interactive media. The student can always go back and re-read or review instructions whilst completing other tasks. The teacher doesn’t have to repeat themselves. The ‘forum’ tool can be used to ask and answer questions, this is an opportunity for the teacher and the students to clarify the purpose. Most tools in the LAMS software are scaffolding tools which fit the 8 characteristics.
Looking at these characteristics highlights another reason for using LAMS!

I also feel the same about my progress as Cassie. So impressed with technology! I would never have used LAMS in my own classroom if I had not participated in this subject. Using LAMS will help me feel more confident about teaching computers as well as making things more interesting for my students.My only concerns are the time constraints and the lack of resources in some schools. I just hope that there are realistic ways to work around these.

This is my first blog for Educational Computing. I’m a first time blogger!