Video games have been popular since the 1980s, and their use is only becoming more widespread. In fact, gaming can no longer be considered just a pastime, since players can earn money, for example, by taking part in E-sports tournaments. The growing gaming industry generates billions of dollars each year. Since the use of computers and smartphones is increasing, the number of gamers globally will only increase as well.
Our students are growing up in this gaming generation and are no longer satisfied with just non-digital means of instruction such as explicit teacher modeling, traditional means of reading and writing and mini-lectures. That being said, I don't believe traditional instructional methods should be obliterated. Not at all. I do believe that there should be a healthy combination of each in our classrooms today. Teachers should include minilessons and modeling, use print resources and integrate collaborative and independent work. Additionally, however, they should include lot of digital instructional methods such as digital stroytelling, online research projects, creating online communities, gaming, alternative assessments, computer assissted learning, and virtual field trips among others.
Gaming is a powerful tool for teachers that can be used to enhance instruction. Students can learn content-related concepts or ideas, practice many important skills, and, perhaps most importantly, integrating gaming in the classroom ensures that students are actively engaged. Gaming also lends to more enjoyable learning experiences for students.
Our students are growing up in this gaming generation and are no longer satisfied with just non-digital means of instruction such as explicit teacher modeling, traditional means of reading and writing and mini-lectures. That being said, I don't believe traditional instructional methods should be obliterated. Not at all. I do believe that there should be a healthy combination of each in our classrooms today. Teachers should include minilessons and modeling, use print resources and integrate collaborative and independent work. Additionally, however, they should include lot of digital instructional methods such as digital stroytelling, online research projects, creating online communities, gaming, alternative assessments, computer assissted learning, and virtual field trips among others.
Gaming is a powerful tool for teachers that can be used to enhance instruction. Students can learn content-related concepts or ideas, practice many important skills, and, perhaps most importantly, integrating gaming in the classroom ensures that students are actively engaged. Gaming also lends to more enjoyable learning experiences for students.
I enjoyed reading your philosophy on the use of gaming. I like the idea that you bring up regarding using a balance of teaching methods in the classroom. I think teachers must choose their learning activities carefully to ensure ultimate learning in the best way possible.
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