Gaming in the Classroom

I remember my 5th grade teacher had a box of video game magazines in our classroom that she would let us read if we finished early with our work.  It blew me away that she would allow us to do that, and it was a huge part of why I respected that teacher so much - because she respected the things that we valued, and allowed us time to explore them.  This, of course, was before the internet or even computers in the classroom (besides a single apple IIe in the corner).  But I think that if it was possible, this teacher would've welcomed the idea of using video game programming as a tool to tap into our interests to teach us valuable content.

Thinking about using video game programming as a way to integrate content area teaching is something most teachers get a little apprehensive about the second they hear the word "programming" involved.  I completely understand the sentiment, and fortunately we live in an age as a teacher (most of the time) where if there is a will, there is a way.  A good example of a teacher that took on this idea is Kevin Hodgson, a sixth-grade writing teacher, who put together this unit of video game programming incorporating elements of science content.  He used Gamestar Mechanic as the program that was used to create the video games.  For his purposes, Gamestar Mechanic seemed to be a great platform to guide the students through this process.  Lucky for us, Kevin published every aspect of this project online with videos and handouts, as well as reflections to use as a resource.

This is definitely something to think about.  I know that I got excited thinking about the possibilities of seeing this in some capacity at a 1:1 school.  Even if it is just an after school club - it seems like there is too much interest on the part of students not to take advantage of this resource.  If any teacher would like to take a shot at incorporating this idea in their classroom, I would definitely be happy to be involved in any way.   

Happy New Year!

Today school is officially back in session, and I am ready to hit the ground running with some technology integration.  During the break my life was officially changed forever with the introduction of an iPad to my household.  At first, I felt like a sellout gushing over the device that I feel is a complete luxury item nowhere near the "need" column.  On top of that, I would be happy to see Android devices that are much more reasonably priced prevail over the Apple Empire's "it" product.  Okay, I might be getting a tad dramatic here, and I have experienced and appreciated Apple products before (my video iPod is still a device used daily) - but the iPad is something that truly tests your integrity as a technology user.  Since it is such a costly item that is still fairly new - I didn't have a problem talking about what an expensive toy it is, because that is primarily how I see the device - a toy.  And after using one for just about a week - I still feel as if it is a toy, but it is one of the most fun, well-designed toys I have ever had.  It also makes me redefine my use of the word toy, because it integrates a web and multimedia experience in such a way that it makes things that seem tedious on my desktop PC fun and easy to do.  This ease of use is something that Apple does so well, that I can't deny its effect on me as a consumer and as an educator.  Being able to take a complicated device that will be used differently depending on the user, and creating an experience that is simple and natural despite the amount of knowledge that goes into every detail is amazing.  Sounds a little like teaching, right? Well, it's something to think about.

Okay, now that I got that out of my system, I feel renewed and excited about the role technology has with our students.  Along with the resources and links I provide, I welcome any opportunity to interact and work with your classroom to help foster a classroom that takes advantage of the technology that you have at our disposal.  I know that there are sometimes barriers that prevent you from being able to achieve with technology what you would like to, and these can be a large range of things from devices working properly, student misuse/behavior, license restrictions, not enough training, web filter, etc.  But looking at your goals, I would like to work with you and take steps to get your classroom to where you would like it to be.  Please don't hesitate to ask for some assistance with incorporating technology into your instruction.  The only question that is stupid is the one that isn't asked.