Games and Simulations in the Classroom

I went into this assignment with an open mind. I am not a gamer, and I really don't think that I ever will be one. With that in mind, I probably had a more critical eye than I should have. I was very skeptical of the games, and my reaction is that some of the games seem like a lot of fun while other just seemed like too much work. Since I am not a gamer, I am not sure if all games are like this, but a few of the sites just had too much information within the instructions. Darfur is Dying and Ayiti were a little intense for me. I really did not know what was going on in the game, and I did not have as much control over the game as I would have liked to.

Funbrain and the Roller Coaster sites were a lot of fun for me. I tried to look at the games from a student's perspective, and I could see most students enjoying these sites. Funbrain is great because it allows students of all different ages, skill levels, and interests to find a game that best suits them. Gamequarium was a little comfusing, but a great site for teachers. I am pretty sure that I have used this site before, and it definitely offers games and activities that I could use in my classroom.

I must admit that even though I did not enjoy the Darfur and Ayiti games, some students may. As a teacher I must take into account that a more real life game may interest students as opposed to the bright and fun games. I liked the intentions of these games as well. They offered a lot of information about different cultures that students would probably be learning in the classroom. These sites would most likely be used with specific lessons or topics of discussion, and I am sure that I could find others that would fit along with different lessons that I will teach. The other three sites were ones that I think I would use more often in the classroom, as in throughout the school year.

When it comes to using games, simulations, the computer, and such in my classroom I really want to do so. My problem is that I am not as knowledgeable about computers as I would like to be. I really am interested in what technology has to offer, I just need to take the time to learn what I can use in my classroom. I think that I will definitely ask other teachers who may have more knowledge than myself, and also maybe read information that is available. I think that it is imperative that teachers use all of these new technologies that are available because sooner or later our students are going to pass us up. They already know more than we do, so I think that we should ask for their help and their input and find out what they like to do. I think that the more we can make learning enjoyable for the students, the better. As long as we are getting our point across and the students are learning, I see no obstacle that stands in our way.

Using Technology to Assess Students

Rivero’s article Assessments: A Brave New World, is about a new system called the Instructional Data Management System. This system is used in schools to record and upload assessments that students take in the classroom. Teachers can then compare the assessments and organize them so students can be grouped in appropriate levels. The system is working with the standards of the No Child Left Behind Act, attempting to make sure that every student receives the appropriate instruction needed. With this new system, teachers can get help from other teachers and use the data from the assessments to individualize the instruction and education that they give to their students. The goal for No Child Left Behind is to treat students not as an entire group, but to help every student in succeed.

I really enjoyed reading this article and I think that the system is something that all schools should really try to use. It seems as though it may be a lot of work at first, but the rewards are endless. Teachers will be able to focus their attention on individual needs of their students, and will be more proficient in their instruction. It is often difficult for teachers to go through every assignment and assessment in order to focus on what each student needs. One of the goals of this system is to help organize teachers and to maximize their time in developing lessons and instruction. Another goal is to create an online portal where parents can review their children’s information. The system is also trying to create online assessments that will allow teachers to quickly evaluate their students.

With little time for anything as a teacher, systems such as this one will be extremely helpful. This system is helping schools reach their goals and allowing students to be successful in the classroom. With more individualized instruction, students are getting the one-on-one instruction that they need, and teachers are not having to spend extra time in creating the lessons. I would really like to see this system show up in more schools across the country because I think that the benefits are endless. What teacher would not like to make their life a little easier, while helping their students succeed?