I chose a presentation in the category Kicking it up a Notch called “Games in Education.” The presenter, Sylvia Martinez, comments were about how games can be used in teaching. She talks about the teaching value of using games that simply have children in someway pick an answer or match two items versus the games that provide ways in which a student can become engaged in decision making, problem solving or collaboration with other students. The first type of game (multiple choice, etc.) is referred to as a game that “fits into the curriculum,” and she says that playing these games is no different than completing a worksheet. The second type of game (decision making, etc.) is referred to as a “serious” game that can present real life situations and teach life skills. In using these types of serious games, the presenter comments that the teacher is important as an administrator or facilitator and that time must be allotted in the classroom to use these games. There are a number of specific games mentioned, such as Atlantis Quest and River City Project, which provide opportunities to build, script, collaborate and role play. Students can also design their own games and take charge of their learning, and one vehicle mentioned for this was Logo.
This presentation certainly started me thinking about the different types of games and their uses. In 5th grade math, there are many times when students need practice reviewing math facts and many online “games” are set up for this. But, I can see that “games” can be thought of in a totally different way when they are more challenging to a students thinking, reasoning and problem solving abilities.
Sylvia Martinez uses a quote from Freud…”Play is a child’s work” and maybe as educators we need to be more aware of the value of play.
