Video Games in Classrooms!!!

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear, Video games? Some might just view Video games as a “corruption of our youth,” others might say it is a tool for the lazy. Are there any positives aspects when addressing the issue of Video games? Well I believe there are many positive components of Video games, both on a personnel and educational level. Just as I discussed in my previous blog regarding cell phones being an asset, the same can be true of Video games but like all modes of teaching, they should be constantly monitored and supervised. I work at an elementary school where there are wonderful math Video games, as well as a variety of other games that can be used for learning in many subjects. You can definitely see the students grasping quicker while they are learning and having fun at the same time, so should we not use this tool, so learning can be facilitated in a way that students feel successful and have the continued desire to learn more? I will be discussing the positive use of video games, throughout this blog.

I really like James Gee; the guy in the video that we watched, I believe he nailed it when he said: "the academic domain is a game itself." I am convinced the overwhelming sentiment in the article discussions posted was that teachers, especially American teachers, need to become more Video game knowledgeable, in order to aide them with the students in their classroom. “The only thing to fear is fear itself,” we should use the tools provided to make a growing thriving learning community! Again, I believe when Video games are continually monitored and reevaluated, they have incredible potential as an educational tool. Lets roll our sleeves up and look at each students individual need and see if a particular Video game would benefit a students learning, it is available, lets not leave it on the shelve!

By reading the articles, I do agree with the issue that the games are too costly. I believe there are ways to resolve this problem, perhaps one would be; that instead of having the school purchase a game for each child, having learning mode segmented, purchase game for that learning mode and then have it available when needed to teach a group of students that would benefit from this modality. It is clear to me that the use of appropriate and well chosen video games in the classroom can create a more engaging learning environment. Games such as the Leapfrog, Explorer Globe and Where in the World is Carmon San Diego are fun, yet a “learning moment,” at the same time. I still believe there needs to be some brainstorming as to how Video games can be cost effective for school districts and that would be a task I would someday like to take on.

Video games should not be used as a replacement to teaching but a resource to the classroom, as a projector, overhead, computers, television and books; they should, as James Gee stated: when used appropriately be considered an asset not a detriment to learning. Every student learns differently and it is our responsibility to meet the individual students learning style, so they can feel successful and if Video games fit those criteria, why should we not use them? We need to feel confident in who we are as teachers, evaluate the new tools presented to us and if they do not work, then we do not use them but if they do, well need I say more…USE THEM!