“Stop playing around and focus on your work!” is something you could probably imagine your teachers from your childhood saying to you or your classmates, but what if students could actually learn by playing? Today in 2018, it is a real possibility! Gamification involves taking content you’d regularly teach in your classroom and turning all of part of it into a game for your students. Alternately, game based learning is when students actually learn the content through the process of playing a game. Some of the games my students play at school include content from many different subject areas. My students sometimes play games from code.org, which is wonderful, because they learn about coding without me having to learn myself how to teach coding. Google’s Be Internet Awesome games teach the students digital citizenship values that we discuss in class, Prodigy Math teaches math concepts through multiplayer games where kids can connect with classmates. Sumdog,is similar, but my students tell me that Prodigy is more fun and has more challenging math questions. ST Math is a school adopted program used at my site, where students learn math concepts by solving math puzzles. There is no reading and no words involved which is great for language learners. Some of our other school adopted programs include games the students often play, such as Edutyping and Fastt math after they have completed their “lesson” for the day. We also use games within our district adopted math curriculum. These games allow students to practice skills we taught in class, and often implement the usage of manipulatives. With all of these great and varied games, my objective for my students is to have them enjoy learning and practicing skills across subject matter in a way that is engaging and interactive for them. The students enjoy playing these games. and many times they are also learning important computer skills such as typing, clicking and dragging, etc. Sometimes I consider these to be more programs than games, but as long as I feel that they are valuable learning experiences I’m happy to let my students play! Clearly, as great at all of these games may be- most of them are best suited for introduction, practice, or review of content taught and discussed in class. It’s possible to use the games in conjunction with other good teaching practices, either before or after- or even both, to give all types of learners the opportunity to access the material. It would not be good teaching practice to have learning be completely game based with no discussion or instruction of content, but at the same time, it would be hard to imagine teaching today without any games, digital or otherwise. Finding a balance within gamification and game based learning is important for a 21st century classroom, and can make for happy teachers and learners. Here is the video I created to highlight some of my favorite technology tools to use in the classroom!
3 Comments
Jose Cerda
5/6/2018 01:38:43 pm
You make some great points, oh how I would have loved to have more teachers that applied gamification in their classroom when I was growing up. Your objective is exactly what I want for my students. If I can get them engaged including aspects of gaming in my classroom, why not try? :) I feel like I have already been doing things like this, but having exposure to so many resources this semester has definitely been useful.
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Benjamin Scinto
5/7/2018 08:39:12 pm
"Balance" and "In conjunction with," - excellent. I have been witness to lopsided approaches to technology in general and it seems to have the reserve effect, i.e., creating students who feel their education is being supplanted by a device, ultimately resulting in a lack of respect for and relationship with the classroom teacher. I liken it to the Wizard of Oz and the man behind the curtain. Sure you can make all sorts of cool games and activities, but you still must be able to stand on your own two feet.
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Heather Feinberg
5/8/2018 09:32:34 pm
I completely agree! It is so important to remember how important conversations are for students to have in the classroom. Finding that balance is key to successful learning.
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AuthorKayla Bryant is an elementary school teacher in Napa, CA. This year she teaches a 2/3 combo class. She keeps a journal with funny quotes from her students, and enjoys learning and laughing alongside them. Some of her main educational interests are related to goal setting, growth mindset, and creativity. Archives
July 2018
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