Games in classroom

I must admit that I am leary to make use of computer games in a classroom setting as a teaching aid.  While their are historical games that ca be used as a teaching aid, I would not recommend their use on a continuous base.  If games are to be used in the classroom, they must have a specific teaching need that they fill.  One of the only games that I can think of that fills that requirement is the Oregon Trail software.  That is the only computer game I can see using within a class period.  Any other games, like ones dealing with historical trivia, would only be used in the cases of per-test review.

Mobile Devices and the Classroom.

     

     Due to the evolving nature of the education in the classroom, newer and newer technologies come out at a rapid pace.  For the modern educator, the choices of tools that are at their disposal is greater than it has ever been.  SMART Boards, digital textbooks and use of computers has truly changed the way in which information can become knowledge for our students.  With the expanding nature of computer devices, some administrators and teachers have begun to push for the greater use of mobile devices within the classroom setting. 

 Here is an example of mobile devices and their positive use in the classroom.

Another video

and another

While the videos above talk about the great experiences that these classes have had through the digital devices, we need to remember that these are only examples of a few classes.  We can hardly expect this to be uniform across the board.  In order for an object like mobile digital devices to become a true tool in an educator’s arsenal, there has to be an organizational system of software control, hardware and classroom management techniques in place. 

In the terms of software control, the educator must know and understand the applications being used in the classroom and how they will interact with each student.  The instructor will need to know when it is in the best interest of education to use the mobile devices and when not to use them.  Another area of concern is finding a way to control what apps the students are using for the class.  If the teacher is not careful, lack of focus on the tasks at hand will give the students the opportunity to simply have fun with the tablets as opposed to doing the necessary schoolwork with them. In terms of hardware, the number of tablets and the equipment cost necessary to maintain them properly will be an issue that many schools will not be able to overcome at this time.

Those are very large challenges.  However, there are some strategies and techniques that an educator can use to manage digital devices in a classroom setting.  One is to have the students make use of the device to search for information on a subject being taught.  The teacher provides them with a time limit and has them display the information they have found.  A different classroom management technique is for an educator to have the students use specific apps and programs that are networked to the school computer.  This gives the teacher the ability to observe what the students have done on their own computer.  A further example is to make use of sites such as jeopardylabs.com and Poll Everywhere as interactive methods of having a quiz.  Students, working in groups, use these mobile devices to research and provide the answers to quiz questions.  The most important technique for effective classroom management with the use of mobile devices is to create interest in the subject you are teaching.  If you, as an educator, create interest in your subject among your pupils, the less likely it will be for them to misuse mobile technology in a classroom setting.

Though there are foreseeable challenges for the presence of mobile devises in the classroom, this should not deter us from striving to integrate them into a broader educational curriculum.

The stress of life

     From time to time, I have notised that life can be a little stressful.

Work, school and social interaction can be a bit overwhelming from day to day.
                                                           







This is way it is important for you to set up time in your busy life to do the things you love.
Take a break and have a laugh.





Or catch a snooze.


In short, do what ever you can to limit stress.

     My experience in the blogging community is new and old at the same time. While having read academic blogs before, I have never been a blogger in regards to them. I have spent most of the time reading blogs that have pertained to my interests, science fiction, historical, historical tress, anthropomorphic, and Hark! A Vagrant. In reading the blogs for blogging assignment 1, I have definitely discovered that there is a greater access to information in my chosen field than I knew existed. As opposed to reading general websites, blogs have let me talk to teachers and comment about topics of my interest. Sometimes these discussions get heated to the point of flame wars. Others show in depth thought, concentration, and true thoughts on such subjects. It has enabled me to get involved in discussion regarding some of my favorite periods in history. On some there have responses, some there haven't. There are some I haven't commented on because I am so intimidated by the academic knowledge shown.

     The world of the blogging community is one that I find to be truly interring.  the video bloggers strike me as those who have truly taken advantage of the the tech available to get out their views and ideas in a gripping way.  I hope to become more immersed in these communities in the future.


Blogs I have enjoyed
http://www.this-day-in-history.blogspot.com/

http://victorianpeeper.blogspot.com/

http://beatonna.tumblr.com/