Contribute to the debate over the use of computer games as educational tools.
There is quite a debate out there over this issue. I sit on the middle of the see-saw on this one. Not to say that I don't have a strong opinion ..... I just have one for both sides.
My number 1 question is: What's wrong with kids realizing that they're learning?
Most of the debate I hear FOR using computer games in education usually ends up getting around to this point, your kids will love it, they won't even realizing that they're learning. I don't get it. What's wrong with that? What's wrong with us that we're becoming so attracted to that idea? That phrase has become quite the marketing ploy and it's working! Are we setting our kids up to believe that learning new things will always come with "points" attached to it or the chance to put your name on the "high scorer" list? Or, is that ridiculous and should we give our kids a little more credit than that?
My answer: not sure.
The "what ever works" route is certainly one that we could take. If we're thinking long term and big picture then "what ever works" seems a bit cheap. Personally, I find nothing wrong with giving a kid 15 minutes to spend on the computer to "shoot" down some improper fractions. It's the same drill and kill we've been doing for years, just different delivery. I also think that programs that are interactive, non-linear, and somewhat of a simulation can be extremely effective.
I believe my problem lies not so much in the "game" but in the message we are sending by using it. A crutch, a tool, a substitute, a resource, a creative outlet....what is it? Have our teachers lost the ability to motivate?
and what's wrong with kids realizing that they're learning?
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I do believe that really good teachers can motivate, or find something that can light the self-motivation fires in a student. Average teachers have a harder time with that and the "game" seems, in many cases, to provide that spark in a number of kids. But in the proper environment, the game can be a very handy tool. In my school's reading program, each class has 4/5 groups, each group doing a different activity at the same time, which allows for more teacher led discussion with just a few students. Games have been used at one station focusing on a specific reading skill. The students seem happier with this than with a worksheet. I guess that evaluating educational "games" will have to become another aspect of the tech lead, or coordinator role in the school.
ReplyDeleteConsidering your second point about kids realizing that they are learning, I believe that they do know if they are learning or not learning. Some students value the knowledge, others do not care. Just another part of the responsibilities of the teacher - get more kids to care about learning, which leaves fewer on the other end.