Chapter 7 focuses on the educational software
program and also mentions video games.
There are some different types of educational software
programs; one is ‘composing and calculating software’ like word processing and
spreadsheet software programs. Another is ‘building, inventing, and creating
software’ such as Kid Pix and Google Earth. It can provide exploration environments
and give students a chance to solve their own question. The other is visual
thinking and concept mapping software. It can allow us to create things like
graphs, symbols, charts on a computer. Students use these tools in their learning because it
is beneficial for various reasons.
Using these tools student can express their thoughts or ideas creatively and electronically
create things more easily. I agree with the general idea explained in chapter 7.
However, as I was reading the contrasting views about computer games in learning, I could not help but go back to the most elemental question: What is learning? I think the learning process is never simple enough so that every student achieves their goal easily. It is complicated and it requires more brain work. Maybe this process is called ‘intelligence’. Jean Piaget said, intelligence is what we use when we don’t already know what to do. If students are trained to respond to their task in a certain way, they will not be learning anymore. I think educational tools need to help students’ brain work more intellectually. One thing I am concerned about is the addictiveness of computer games. I do partially agree that there are positive aspects of video games for a student’s education. However, we shouldn’t miss the consequences. When students play games they sometimes become too acquainted with the stimulation and they become distracted if they have to learn. Maybe for these reasons, chapter 7 continuously highlights how to find educational software and videos through showing the criteria, rubric or strategies for using them properly.
1. Have you played any video games that you would recommend for
educational purposes?
2. How can playing video games negatively affect a students' education?
In response to question 2, I think one of the potential cons of video games as teaching tools is the potential for students to get used to being constantly entertained while they are learning. Let's be honest, sometimes we have to "grind through" some difficult lesson s or less than exciting content to get the big picture of the subject we are learning. The question is: will students begin to become over reliant on video games?
ReplyDeleteJean, nice blog. In response to question two, there needs to be a purpose for the video game being used for children's education. I understand that adults cannot watch children 24/7. Also, when there is a will, there is a way for children to achieve their ultimate goal of doing something that they shouldn't. Video games can negatively affect a student's education depending on the content, especially at a young age. Children need to be guided and supported by adults in understanding the difference between reality and the virtual world. Video games can also become addictive. There needs to be a limit. As a child, a parent can tell him or her what to do. What happens when the child becomes a teenager? The teenager will turn elsewhere to do what he or she wants.
ReplyDeleteAs Jason mentioned, it is possible for students to rely on video games all the time. I think it is necessary for teachers to use the traditional and new methods of teaching, so students are aware of both worlds.
To answer your second question, I think playing educational video games is very beneficial. But if the student is constantly playing it they will get used to the excitement and the noise of video games and will have a hard time re adjusting their mind frame when they have to take a test or do a reading assignment. They will constantly want that excitement of video games, in all of what they do in school. Which is impossible because learning cant always be at the same pace as video games. Also not all students will learn through video games so it will be hard to differentiate instruction when certain students become accustomed to playing video games.
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