Reflections.
Today was full of tinkering and trials!! We didn't learn anything new today, but we had plenty of time to play around with the sounds and everything else. I practiced with creating objects and finished many things in the desert. There are still some blinks in the great scheme of things, it gets kind of annoying after a while--but they're getting it straight. It was a day that just seemed like we were plodding along--the morning went quickly, but after lunch there were many crashes!!!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Day4--Afternoon
What interested you in video games as a form of teaching?
I enjoy playing video games myself and think that it would be a great way to teach those students who may be wonderful at video games but not have the confidence to succeed in the classroom. This method is less threatening than traditional paper and pencil learning. The student may have issues with reading or something else that may keep them from giving it their all in the classroom. If they can find a niche in which they are comfortable, perhaps they can build confidence and eventually bloom in the traditional classroom also.
I enjoy playing video games myself and think that it would be a great way to teach those students who may be wonderful at video games but not have the confidence to succeed in the classroom. This method is less threatening than traditional paper and pencil learning. The student may have issues with reading or something else that may keep them from giving it their all in the classroom. If they can find a niche in which they are comfortable, perhaps they can build confidence and eventually bloom in the traditional classroom also.
Day 4--Morning
What do you do well when connecting with your students? Do you have any concerns about connecting with your students?
I tend to connect with my students because I have similar interests as some of them (music, TV, movies, hobbies, etc.) and I'm a good listener and take time to hear their problems and take an interest in their lives. I try to have students input in the classroom (when they can handle it) and treat them with the same respect that I expect out of them. We all try to remember our manners and use please and thank you and try to support each other.
I tend to connect with my students because I have similar interests as some of them (music, TV, movies, hobbies, etc.) and I'm a good listener and take time to hear their problems and take an interest in their lives. I try to have students input in the classroom (when they can handle it) and treat them with the same respect that I expect out of them. We all try to remember our manners and use please and thank you and try to support each other.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Day3--Shut Down, Power Off
Reflections.
Today was interesting. W e learned a little more today, a lot about sounds and more events and behaviours. My game keeps crashing during the play mode and I do not know if my behaviors work because I can't get to my objects because my game crashes! Its a little frustrating!! Today isn't as bad as yesterday tho, I have changed some things around and at least SOMETHING is working. I also created another world, so maybe things will work out better there. The possibilities are coming to life and I'm getting a lot of ideas for my games. I wish we had an 'undo' button to correct those little, quick mistakes!
Today was interesting. W e learned a little more today, a lot about sounds and more events and behaviours. My game keeps crashing during the play mode and I do not know if my behaviors work because I can't get to my objects because my game crashes! Its a little frustrating!! Today isn't as bad as yesterday tho, I have changed some things around and at least SOMETHING is working. I also created another world, so maybe things will work out better there. The possibilities are coming to life and I'm getting a lot of ideas for my games. I wish we had an 'undo' button to correct those little, quick mistakes!
Day3--Afternoon
Describe how your students learn best.
My students learn best when they are actually interested in what they are doing. You have to get them excited about the subject matter. They like to do unusual things--coloring, or something 'weird' eventho they may pretend not to enjoy 'kindergarten' activities (coloring, making posters) most actually do. They like being able to express them selves in art and music--not just in writing. They enjoy computer work for the most part, many like videos. Experiments and hands on are the best. If they are physically involved, they have to be mentally involved!!
My students learn best when they are actually interested in what they are doing. You have to get them excited about the subject matter. They like to do unusual things--coloring, or something 'weird' eventho they may pretend not to enjoy 'kindergarten' activities (coloring, making posters) most actually do. They like being able to express them selves in art and music--not just in writing. They enjoy computer work for the most part, many like videos. Experiments and hands on are the best. If they are physically involved, they have to be mentally involved!!
Day3--Morning
Describe your teaching.
My teaching style is still being developed--I have just successfully finished my first year of teaching!!! I do tend to lecture at times, I used PowerPoint a lot, and we read out of the book. We use worksheets (and coloring sheets) and play 'jeopardy' and 'baseball' to review. I use the computer lab, though not as much as I'd like to or should. There are so many resources out there! I also use videos. I hope that I teach effectively--most of my students do well on my tests if they do the work and put some effort into it. I'm not sure how they did on the science EOG--we haven't gotten scores as of yet. I hope they did well. I do have some bugs to get worked out, but I'm sure that's normal! I enjoy doing hands on things with the kids--we did many experiments early on in the year while we were talking about scientific inquiry, and before we had to panic at the approaching EOGs. I took them on a beach trip to Beaufort for two days in the Spring--we had fun and they learned many things, whether they knew it or not!! I hope to teach a little more effectively in the upcoming year and have a great hope that things will go a bit more smoothly.
My teaching style is still being developed--I have just successfully finished my first year of teaching!!! I do tend to lecture at times, I used PowerPoint a lot, and we read out of the book. We use worksheets (and coloring sheets) and play 'jeopardy' and 'baseball' to review. I use the computer lab, though not as much as I'd like to or should. There are so many resources out there! I also use videos. I hope that I teach effectively--most of my students do well on my tests if they do the work and put some effort into it. I'm not sure how they did on the science EOG--we haven't gotten scores as of yet. I hope they did well. I do have some bugs to get worked out, but I'm sure that's normal! I enjoy doing hands on things with the kids--we did many experiments early on in the year while we were talking about scientific inquiry, and before we had to panic at the approaching EOGs. I took them on a beach trip to Beaufort for two days in the Spring--we had fun and they learned many things, whether they knew it or not!! I hope to teach a little more effectively in the upcoming year and have a great hope that things will go a bit more smoothly.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Day2--Shut Down, Power Off
Reflections.
Today was different than yesterday. There was more time for tinkering with gaming, tho it may have been too much time. We learned more details and some cool thing--like how to do behaviors and events. It was fun putting new stuff in the game, however I kept getting kicked off every time I tried the play mode. I do not know if my events work--I know the boy can say 'help' but the ants wouldn't chase me. I couldn't get to the crate to see if I would teleport. The software seems a little buggy ( which is not a big surprise--considering this program is the first of its kind!) It is frustrating, however. Maybe there need to be more helpers roaming around.
Today was different than yesterday. There was more time for tinkering with gaming, tho it may have been too much time. We learned more details and some cool thing--like how to do behaviors and events. It was fun putting new stuff in the game, however I kept getting kicked off every time I tried the play mode. I do not know if my events work--I know the boy can say 'help' but the ants wouldn't chase me. I couldn't get to the crate to see if I would teleport. The software seems a little buggy ( which is not a big surprise--considering this program is the first of its kind!) It is frustrating, however. Maybe there need to be more helpers roaming around.
Day2--Afternoon
How does the technology you currently use enhance your teaching and your student's learning? How do you know?
I believe that by using video clips and various websites that some points can be illustrated better than just standing up in front of the class with a marker and a white board. Technology provides hands on experience for the kids (they're not just staring off into space, listening or not) and some subjects can go more in depth (computer models of cells or body systems--virtual tours of water treatment plants, etc). Also, the kids can access some resources from home. The kids seem to enjoy working with computers and seeing video clips--they prefer it over the book and actually stay awake and get involved!
I believe that by using video clips and various websites that some points can be illustrated better than just standing up in front of the class with a marker and a white board. Technology provides hands on experience for the kids (they're not just staring off into space, listening or not) and some subjects can go more in depth (computer models of cells or body systems--virtual tours of water treatment plants, etc). Also, the kids can access some resources from home. The kids seem to enjoy working with computers and seeing video clips--they prefer it over the book and actually stay awake and get involved!
Day2--Morning
How do you currently used technology in your classroom?
I make use of computers. I use my computer everyday in the classroom--even if its just to find worksheets or plan lessons. My classes go to the computer labs to do research or to work on brain pop or other sites. I also make use of video clips and soundbites from unitedstreaming.com and other websites. I show videos (dvd and vhs) and use my projector to show the dvds and to make use of powerpoint (which I use about 3-4 times a week).
I make use of computers. I use my computer everyday in the classroom--even if its just to find worksheets or plan lessons. My classes go to the computer labs to do research or to work on brain pop or other sites. I also make use of video clips and soundbites from unitedstreaming.com and other websites. I show videos (dvd and vhs) and use my projector to show the dvds and to make use of powerpoint (which I use about 3-4 times a week).
Monday, June 25, 2007
Day 1--Shut Down, Power Off
Reflect on today.
It has been a very interesting day. Day 1 was a little different than I had imagined--but not necessarily bad. Most of the day was spent waiting on software to download and feeling like I had no idea what was going on. It was a little frustrating. I got to play around with virtuoso a little--its cool and I can't wait to check out the possibilities. It does seem like its going to take some getting used to, however. I can't seem to get the objects to position correctly!!! I'm sure I'll learn what I need to know this week to get the bugs worked out.
It has been a very interesting day. Day 1 was a little different than I had imagined--but not necessarily bad. Most of the day was spent waiting on software to download and feeling like I had no idea what was going on. It was a little frustrating. I got to play around with virtuoso a little--its cool and I can't wait to check out the possibilities. It does seem like its going to take some getting used to, however. I can't seem to get the objects to position correctly!!! I'm sure I'll learn what I need to know this week to get the bugs worked out.
Day 1--Afternoon
Why are you here?
I am here to learn how to make a learning game for my science students! I see a lot of potential in my students if they would just have some interest in the subject matter.
What are you excited about?
Learning all of the ins and outs of game programming. Also, figuring out the concept for my game. I wonder what the finished product will look like.
What are you concerned about?
I'm worried that I wont understand how to make the game work. I've heard its complicated at times.
I am here to learn how to make a learning game for my science students! I see a lot of potential in my students if they would just have some interest in the subject matter.
What are you excited about?
Learning all of the ins and outs of game programming. Also, figuring out the concept for my game. I wonder what the finished product will look like.
What are you concerned about?
I'm worried that I wont understand how to make the game work. I've heard its complicated at times.
Day1--Morning
What are your feeling about video games in general?
I like video games. I have played video games since I was about 5 or so. I have lived through the Nintendo era, the Sega era, the Playstation era, and now into the Wii era. Video games are a great way to take your mind off things and to bond with friends. Yes, some out there do play a bit much, when it starts interfering with real life you might want to cut back. It can also be a very expensive hobby.
What are your feeling about video games as learning tools?
I think using video games as learning tools is a wonderful idea. Kids today are so absorbed in gaming that sometimes it doesn't even matter what they play just as long as they have something to play. Kids see games as something non threatening and fun. If we could sneak in some learning I'm all for it. The kids will be engaged and actually absorb some of the knowledge, when in class they'd doodle or day dream. Making educational video games is one way to get children excited about learning.
I like video games. I have played video games since I was about 5 or so. I have lived through the Nintendo era, the Sega era, the Playstation era, and now into the Wii era. Video games are a great way to take your mind off things and to bond with friends. Yes, some out there do play a bit much, when it starts interfering with real life you might want to cut back. It can also be a very expensive hobby.
What are your feeling about video games as learning tools?
I think using video games as learning tools is a wonderful idea. Kids today are so absorbed in gaming that sometimes it doesn't even matter what they play just as long as they have something to play. Kids see games as something non threatening and fun. If we could sneak in some learning I'm all for it. The kids will be engaged and actually absorb some of the knowledge, when in class they'd doodle or day dream. Making educational video games is one way to get children excited about learning.
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