Chapter 7 Reflection

Interesting fact - 87% of 8-17 year olds play video games at home

This chapter discusses using technology to promote inquiry learning and problem solving skills among students.  This is possible because the technology attracts and engages them.  Computers are used in almost every career nowadays, so why don't we introduce them to our students? 

Software for the students is usually installed on the computers by the school or the district.  They are usually the ones who control what the schools and the students use.  In some schools, the teacher may be able to present their own ideas about additional software to the Principal for approval.  The teachers have to know how to determine which software's are effective.  Three detectors of low-quality software's are - program controls the activity, games that promote competition or violence, and software that expects immediate answers rather than long-term thinking.  We want the software and games that will promote higher order thinking skills. 

Technology in the classroom promotes engaging learning experiences for the students.  It can be used in all subject areas.  When first reading this, I thought it is rare that we use technology in math.  After reading further and actually thinking about it, technology can definitely be used to enhance math understanding and skills.  There are tons of math games and activities, as well as online calculators an Excel spreadsheets.  I remember using Excel in Middle school and I loved it.  I learned how to put data in a table, create formulas to fin answers, an then to put the data collected into a graph.  These are great skills for math students to learn.  The WebQuest that I created also relates to math and I found a lot of great information and videos online that related to the topic of money.  I think that we need to realize how much we can do with technology and take advantage of it. 

I also believe that educational games are very beneficial in the classroom.  I found it very interesting that nearly 87% of 8-17 year-olds play video games at home.  This means that majority of our students are used to electronic games.  Why shouldn't we incorporate something they love into the classroom?  Of course, we shouldn't put in game consoles, but online games can definitely spark student's interests.  I believe that as long as teachers preview games before hand to make sure that they are relevant and appropriate for the students, they should be used.  Educational games can be very effective in helping students learn specific skills.  They are interactive and sometimes include creative thinking.  I found the term stealth learning very interesting because this is indeed what makes learning fun!  Finding a way to help students learn without them even realizing it at times can be great.  I also think that by introducing the student's to fun educational games, they might rather play them at home rather than violent video games.  I know that my 6 year-old cousin loves going on brainpopjr.com when he gets home from school just because he likes it.  Of course, he still wants to play video games, but this website makes him play a little less. 

Questions:

1. Do you think that educational games should be incorporated into the classroom?
2. What type of software would you use in your classroom?  Why?
3. Do you think that Intelligent Tutoring Systems are actually beneficial for the students?