Journal 7

Focus question:

How can teachers use computer games and simulations as learning resources?

This topic is still thought of little value by some Psychologists and educators but to others technological resources that incorporate gaming a thought of very highly. In everyday life students, more so boys are playing video games, computer games, or web-based games, it is a big entertainment setting in their lives. Computer games advocate active learning styles in all subjects. Online games help grab students attention and get them interested in learning. It is not just a boring lecture anymore it is hands on involving all students. To successfully implement computer, web-based games in the classroom teachers should focus more on games that accumulate and subtract points to assess students knowledge on the subject matter rather than games solely based on isolated skills.

Tech tool:

7.2 A Math Learning Game- Zoombinis Logical Journey

Zoombinis is a series of games for all different subjects in school. This series in particular is to help teach critical thinking, problem solving, and mathematical learning for elementary school aged students. Zoombinis consists of tiny creatures with different hair, eyes, nose, and feet you get to choose to create your own character. The characters on a journey home to claim their ancestral territory and there are puzzles and games that pose as obstacles they must conquer in order to reclaim their ancestry. The game consists of trial and error lessons to help the students navigate through correct problem solving. This game series to me is very helpful to students because they are actively involved in the lesson and they must pay attention and assess the knowledge so that they can make steps closer to their ancestral island.

Photo Credit to Zoombinis Logical Journey on Amazon

Summary:

This chapter is all about how to implement technology-based software into the curriculum for skill-based learning in the classroom. Educational games and skill-based software is a very helpful source in the classroom because of the ways it can assess students and what they comprehend in class. The series zoombinis is a great example there is a series for each subject field and the example they share with us is the critical thinking and problem solving game. You have your own character and are going through obstacles based on a trial and error process.  Web-based, video, and computer games help to get the students actively involved in the lesson plan to learn new content and be excited. A game helps hide the work aspect of learning a new area.