Gee says that a good video game includes a lot of cognitive learning strategies, that are generally not learned in the classroom. He thinks these strategies should be taught & learned in the class, & that is one of the benefits of a good video game. He says a good video game will not be so easy the player becomes uninterested or bored, & not so hard that they give up.
I see both sides of the big debate on using computer and video games in the classroom, and have an opinion that is basically right in the middle. I know that different skills & strategies can be developed through video games, but I also know that learning can be done as good without playing a game. I have a hard time with them being used because teachers & parents can use them as a babysitter or time filler, & dont always pay 100% attention to what the child is doing. I also feel that some of the skills (like preparing for life outside of school) should be taught by a person, & not a machine. However, I do see the good aspects in how they can be a tool to enhance learning & reach children on a different level.
Scratch can be used in the classroom as a learning tool, to work on already developed skills; such as reviewing spelling words or math problems. The students are also able to learn through the aspect of creating a game, & reviewing the skills needed to know to play the game.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Good thoughts on the value of video games in the classroom. I think Gee would agree with you. He was not arguing that video games should be played, but that teachers should design instructional activities that are as motivating and interesting to students as video games are! I think Gee thinks classroom teachers can do this without even using technology...but technology makes it easier.
ReplyDelete