When I was younger and had computer time, I could be found
playing a game called Jump Start Typing. It incorporated different games that
were aimed at helping you learn to excel at typing. I really enjoyed the
competitive nature of the game and truly wanted to get better at typing so that
I could reach higher levels. Aside from computer games, another game I played
when I was younger was Monopoly. This game introduced life skills such as
economics, money handling, and real estate. This is knowledge that you do not
necessarily learn in a classroom, so I believe it really helps explain these
skills through a board game, and something entertaining and fun.
In my
personal opinion, gaming is becoming so popular in 21st century learning
because it is so natural for this generation of learners to learn how to use a
gaming device or a computer. The skillset of being technologically savvy is a
huge advantage 21st century learners have. It also can be found all over the
world in different varieties and adaptations, creating what I have dubbed a
"good global epidemic". This spread of technology usage across the
globe creates a world capable of interaction and learners who are capable of
using technology to create and advance our world.
I
personally know that I am no good at video games, so the idea of gaming is hard
for me to see myself doing. However, if the game were computer-based, I have
full faith in my abilities to learn to play that way. The idea of gaming could
prove beneficial in many classrooms, and could teach children a variety of
things. We saw this work out well for Joel Levin at the Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in NYC.
If I were to personally use gaming to help myself or others learn in 21st
century learning, I believe I would have to make it a computer game, as I feel
they are easier to teach and to learn. Computers are also very popular right
now, so I feel like other learners and myself would pick a computer game over a
video game.
Alexis, I also enjoyed typing games (I preferred Typer Shark) and Monopoly as a kid. I think we must have just missed the gamer generation. However, I believe that it is in a child's nature to be competitive at whatever he or she is doing, and that's what I think makes using games in education so great. Children can actually get excited about learning and look forward to it everyday in class.
ReplyDeleteI also played Monopoly as a child Alexis. Growing up I was unaware of how educational Monopoly was. I actually still play Monopoly with my family because my mom bought the electric card version. I am a very competitive person as well so I agree that that is why gaming is so helpful in education.
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