Video games and learning

Earlier this semester, I was part of a group that debated the merits of using video games in the classroom. I have yet to see video games in action in academics, but I'd like to find out if students can learn as much about math through video games as they do about racing, battling aliens and terrorists and football play calling.

It appears as if more students will get the opportunity in the near future, since Microsoft is among the corporate players lending their support to video games in learning. I personally think the potential is great. There are many reasons video games are enticing: players get rewarded for success by being allowed to advance to the next level, they can collaborate with friends and they can sometimes use their knowledge to create personalized versions of a game.

My two sons are avid video game players, and to watch them play and talk about the games, it's apparent there is plenty of learning happening. I hope they get the opportunity to apply their interest in gaming at school.

Technologically advancing

One of my last assignments of the semester, a Webinar that Kya and I will be hosting, will take place tomorrow. Earlier in the fall, and most certainly in the summer, my emotions about the assignment would have been a combination of fear, dread, trepidation. Basically anything involving apprehension. Technology has never been my thing, and because of that, I have really been challenged by our Educational Technology course.

I didn't want to Twitter (and still don't) and I wasn't all that high on blogging, but I do appreciate the gentle prodding I've received to try out various technologies and see how they might fit within the teaching profession. I like live blogging. During a geometry class at Pioneer High, I used a clay animation video that Ryan and I created to good effect. Though few students had heard the Journey tune accompanying the video, they liked seeing a theorem put to clay and song. Working on a podcast with Sarah was a blast, and I actually find myself eager to get to Wednesday's Webinar.

Instead of creating anxiety, it has gotten me excited. I'm looking forward to trying out the technology (let's hope it goes smoothly) and then seeing how some of the tools from the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives can be used in a classroom next semester. I'm still no techno-geek and probably never will be. But I do feel like I have conquered some fears.