Well, last day and it has mixed blessings. Tomorrow I can sleep in but I have had a wonderful time this week. Building the game is slow and steady but I hope will work. The group I sat with was wonderful and helpful. The staff was fantastic and very patient.
It is amazing to me to see and hear the knowledge the students who were here have of video games and lingo. This is the actuality of why we are doing these games. I can't wait to see how it all turns out. Hope I am up to the challenge.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Day 5 afternoon
Who supports and who benefits from your participation in this project?
I have terrific support at school from the technology person, Danita, and the administrative staff. They all encourage us to learn and utilize as much technology as possible. I feel I benefit as well as my students. The more technology used in the classroom the more interesting it is for the students to learn and the more interesting it is to teach. It allows me to bring in more information from other sources such as United Streaming, and give more details about a specific topic.
What other technology do you wish you could use or have support for?
Our technology at WLMS is amazing. I have a smart board in my classroom, DVD/VCR, we are creating Wikispaces and we have Gaggle, an in county ability to email and have it protected within the county. There are laptops to utilize with students. There is also a program that enables hand held remotes to answer by numbers so it is secure and theoretically no one knows who is answering and if they get it right or wrong. This is great for reviews.
Time to get back to work for the afternoon. More later.
I have terrific support at school from the technology person, Danita, and the administrative staff. They all encourage us to learn and utilize as much technology as possible. I feel I benefit as well as my students. The more technology used in the classroom the more interesting it is for the students to learn and the more interesting it is to teach. It allows me to bring in more information from other sources such as United Streaming, and give more details about a specific topic.
What other technology do you wish you could use or have support for?
Our technology at WLMS is amazing. I have a smart board in my classroom, DVD/VCR, we are creating Wikispaces and we have Gaggle, an in county ability to email and have it protected within the county. There are laptops to utilize with students. There is also a program that enables hand held remotes to answer by numbers so it is secure and theoretically no one knows who is answering and if they get it right or wrong. This is great for reviews.
Time to get back to work for the afternoon. More later.
Day 5 morning
How do you see this game as a tool for connecting with your students?
The cool factor will come first. The mere fact that their teacher created the game will be great and bring me to their level. Then as a tool for learning the formulas and help in remembering math facts will be terrific for them. I look forward to being able to develop another game later with the students.
Time to get to work, more later
The cool factor will come first. The mere fact that their teacher created the game will be great and bring me to their level. Then as a tool for learning the formulas and help in remembering math facts will be terrific for them. I look forward to being able to develop another game later with the students.
Time to get to work, more later
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Day 4 shut down power off: reflections
What a fun day. We recruited Ryan to be a part of our group and had a blast. Learned a few new things and found out about Newman - legs and all. We were able to add more to our games and try to add sounds. I formulated what I am going to want the game to do, now I have to develop the questions and figure out how to get it to do what I want. That is why we have so long to accomplish this. It will take me that long. Not so savvy on video games but will learn.
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!We were given these terrific black HIFIVES shirts. It will be great to see everyone wearing them tomorrow.
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!We were given these terrific black HIFIVES shirts. It will be great to see everyone wearing them tomorrow.
Day 4 afternoon
What interested you in video games as a form of teaching?
I know all of my students play games in their spare time and as we have been talking about this week, they are learning while they are playing. Just to be able to look for clues to get to next levels and to solve intricate patterns takes a great deal of thought and logic. I want to be able to bring a medium to the classroom that will automatically catch their attention because it is int he form of a game.
I know all of my students play games in their spare time and as we have been talking about this week, they are learning while they are playing. Just to be able to look for clues to get to next levels and to solve intricate patterns takes a great deal of thought and logic. I want to be able to bring a medium to the classroom that will automatically catch their attention because it is int he form of a game.
Day 4 morning
What do you do well when connecting with your students?
I am able to develop a rapport with my students and let them know they are in a safe place while in my classroom and at any time during our tenure together. To further this my students have my home phone number and email as well as the capability to communicate through our school email - gaggle. They have respect for me and I for them because of this open door policy. I feel that having two children of my own has helped me develop relationships that I know were important to them. Even now, during the summer, my students are emailing and Im'ing and keeping in touch.
Do you have any concerns about connecting with your students?
The only concern I have is making sure the students understand the parameters of the communication and not taking it for granted that it impacts their grade in any way.
I am able to develop a rapport with my students and let them know they are in a safe place while in my classroom and at any time during our tenure together. To further this my students have my home phone number and email as well as the capability to communicate through our school email - gaggle. They have respect for me and I for them because of this open door policy. I feel that having two children of my own has helped me develop relationships that I know were important to them. Even now, during the summer, my students are emailing and Im'ing and keeping in touch.
Do you have any concerns about connecting with your students?
The only concern I have is making sure the students understand the parameters of the communication and not taking it for granted that it impacts their grade in any way.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Shut down and log off: reflections
Today was a bit difficult at the start to get things started and begin working. With so many people logging in things tended to freeze. but, we persevered and got it going. I was able to add things and make things move.
In the afternoon we learned how to download and add sounds. The downloading was easy but the inserting the sound in the appropriate place may prove difficult. I will try tomorrow.
Tired but feel great about his so far. looking forward to tomorrow.
In the afternoon we learned how to download and add sounds. The downloading was easy but the inserting the sound in the appropriate place may prove difficult. I will try tomorrow.
Tired but feel great about his so far. looking forward to tomorrow.
Day 3 afternoon
Describe how your students learn best.
It depends on who they are. This past year I had many who were kinesthetic learners as well as auditory and they needed to be able to move a bit in and around there seats and be in a place where they could hear well, all that was going on.
In general I feel students learn best when they can relate to what you are teaching them. Telling them it will be useful later in life does not keep them enthused about what is being taught in the classroom. the students learn best when they have some frame of reference to what they are learning.
In Science I set up a recycle area. There were bags for white paper, boxes for newspaper, and box for the tabs on the drink cans. We then give them to an organization that collects them to make the lancets for diabetic testing. I also brought in a three bin recycle center which the students were able to place other recyclable items and then I took them home. We had very little trash after this and the students were able to see the results of true recycling in the classroom.
Hands on is always best
It depends on who they are. This past year I had many who were kinesthetic learners as well as auditory and they needed to be able to move a bit in and around there seats and be in a place where they could hear well, all that was going on.
In general I feel students learn best when they can relate to what you are teaching them. Telling them it will be useful later in life does not keep them enthused about what is being taught in the classroom. the students learn best when they have some frame of reference to what they are learning.
In Science I set up a recycle area. There were bags for white paper, boxes for newspaper, and box for the tabs on the drink cans. We then give them to an organization that collects them to make the lancets for diabetic testing. I also brought in a three bin recycle center which the students were able to place other recyclable items and then I took them home. We had very little trash after this and the students were able to see the results of true recycling in the classroom.
Hands on is always best
Day 3 Morning
Describe your teaching.
I teach with the children not at the children. I prefer an interactive mode where the students are part of the teaching process. They are asked to read ahead and formulate thoughts or questions to kick start the day. We utilize the smart baord and online textbook so the students hear another person teaching them as well.
I attempt to make this a real world relationship whether it is math or science. I have brought in guest speakers to speak about Sharon Harris. The students make vocabulary dictionaries with illustrations to show they know the meanings of the terms they are using. They teach portions of the science chapters which brings the information in a format that is fun, i.e., games like jeopardy or a go-cart game.
In essence, I do not just lecture. We use manipulatives and make manipulatives to further our understanding of the topic.
Gotta go now and work on my game. More later.
I teach with the children not at the children. I prefer an interactive mode where the students are part of the teaching process. They are asked to read ahead and formulate thoughts or questions to kick start the day. We utilize the smart baord and online textbook so the students hear another person teaching them as well.
I attempt to make this a real world relationship whether it is math or science. I have brought in guest speakers to speak about Sharon Harris. The students make vocabulary dictionaries with illustrations to show they know the meanings of the terms they are using. They teach portions of the science chapters which brings the information in a format that is fun, i.e., games like jeopardy or a go-cart game.
In essence, I do not just lecture. We use manipulatives and make manipulatives to further our understanding of the topic.
Gotta go now and work on my game. More later.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Shut down power off: reflections
What a fun day. Two boys decided they liked what I have started and kept going in to play. Not enough there yet to play with.
So many of us using the programs at once it was difficult to remain logged in. All of the information we have received to this point gives promise to the future in my gaming world. I am a bit slow but steady. It is more comfortable in here today and the noise level was a bit better with everyone really working toward their goal.
Chairs a little difficult to be in all day and now I am ready for a nap. I do love to play games though...............Some very interesting people here.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Hopefully get more accomplished.
So many of us using the programs at once it was difficult to remain logged in. All of the information we have received to this point gives promise to the future in my gaming world. I am a bit slow but steady. It is more comfortable in here today and the noise level was a bit better with everyone really working toward their goal.
Chairs a little difficult to be in all day and now I am ready for a nap. I do love to play games though...............Some very interesting people here.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Hopefully get more accomplished.
Day 2 Afternoon
How does the technology you currently use enhance your students learning and your teaching?
The technology I am currently using enables the students to stay involved and have a concrete manner in which to visualize the concepts. The smart board and united streaming place real world parameters on day to day learning. The interactive involvement keeps the students involved and focused.
How do you know?
The students are eager to begin the lessons, they perform well on quizzes and tests and in general enjoy the learning experience.
The technology I am currently using enables the students to stay involved and have a concrete manner in which to visualize the concepts. The smart board and united streaming place real world parameters on day to day learning. The interactive involvement keeps the students involved and focused.
How do you know?
The students are eager to begin the lessons, they perform well on quizzes and tests and in general enjoy the learning experience.
Day 2 Morning
How do you currently uses technology in the classroom.
I am very fortunate at WLMS to have a Smart board in the classroom. I utilize it each day to do interactive lessons in Math and in Science. In Math we are able to use an on line textbook and to be able to project many parts of the lessons through the computer to the smart board. The students are able to go to the smart board and work problems and manipulate portions so the entire class can view. This can be in color and re-worked to give the class the opportunity to be interactive with the lesson.
I also utilize a hand held mouse which allows me to be at any part of the room and still communicate with my students and continue to teach. I use an overhead projector for portions of the lessons to utilize transparencies and also have the students come up and show the work as well.
Along with the smart board I use United Streaming a great deal to begin or emphasize a topic in Math or Science.
I also utilized a learning program, Orchard, which was purchased at WLMS. This is an interactive teaching mode that allows the students to practice math skills. Others utilize it for Language Arts.
With the ability to use the laptop as my computer the students will now have the opportunity to use the computer in the classroom to develop projects. I am looking forward to having the students more involved in the teaching of the lessons as I did last year, developing games and lessons for portions of the science textbook and topics we learn in science. This year they will have the ability to do programs on the computer.
I am very fortunate at WLMS to have a Smart board in the classroom. I utilize it each day to do interactive lessons in Math and in Science. In Math we are able to use an on line textbook and to be able to project many parts of the lessons through the computer to the smart board. The students are able to go to the smart board and work problems and manipulate portions so the entire class can view. This can be in color and re-worked to give the class the opportunity to be interactive with the lesson.
I also utilize a hand held mouse which allows me to be at any part of the room and still communicate with my students and continue to teach. I use an overhead projector for portions of the lessons to utilize transparencies and also have the students come up and show the work as well.
Along with the smart board I use United Streaming a great deal to begin or emphasize a topic in Math or Science.
I also utilized a learning program, Orchard, which was purchased at WLMS. This is an interactive teaching mode that allows the students to practice math skills. Others utilize it for Language Arts.
With the ability to use the laptop as my computer the students will now have the opportunity to use the computer in the classroom to develop projects. I am looking forward to having the students more involved in the teaching of the lessons as I did last year, developing games and lessons for portions of the science textbook and topics we learn in science. This year they will have the ability to do programs on the computer.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Shut down power off: reflections
Today was a little frustrating to get directions piece-meal, having to re-do things a few times initially. The gaming we got to seems like fun but a bit more difficult than we imagined it would be. I am hoping we get to jump right into things in the morning. The students seem very enthusiastic and eager to develop their games.
The room is incredible and the facility amazing. Everyone very helpful and willing to get us started and on track.
The room is incredible and the facility amazing. Everyone very helpful and willing to get us started and on track.
Day one afternnon
Why are you here?
I thought the idea of developing games for the classroom was fun and I want to do this for my 6th graders.
What are you excited about?
I am excited to have a new computer and to be able to learn more about computer usage in general as well as making the games.
What are you concerned about?
Not being able to navigate the process.
I thought the idea of developing games for the classroom was fun and I want to do this for my 6th graders.
What are you excited about?
I am excited to have a new computer and to be able to learn more about computer usage in general as well as making the games.
What are you concerned about?
Not being able to navigate the process.
Day one morning
What are your feelings about video games in general?
My feelings about video games in general are they are alot of fun and help with manual dexteritiy as well as imagination. I do feel, however, that more restrictions need to be placed upon the games to prevent the younger child from playing games which are inappropriate for their age group. Some are too graphic and violent in nature for younger children to play.
What are your feelings about video games as learning tools?
Video games as learning tools will bring the course matter to a forum the student is familiar with and afford them the opportunity to play with course work and learn and not feel they are learning by rote or memorization. The only drawback is not being in real world situations with the subject matter unless the information is imparted in that fashion within the game.
My feelings about video games in general are they are alot of fun and help with manual dexteritiy as well as imagination. I do feel, however, that more restrictions need to be placed upon the games to prevent the younger child from playing games which are inappropriate for their age group. Some are too graphic and violent in nature for younger children to play.
What are your feelings about video games as learning tools?
Video games as learning tools will bring the course matter to a forum the student is familiar with and afford them the opportunity to play with course work and learn and not feel they are learning by rote or memorization. The only drawback is not being in real world situations with the subject matter unless the information is imparted in that fashion within the game.
First Day
Have created two blogs since we were not givin correct instructions to begin. The other one is wendyswhimsy.
Sitting here waiting to begin the gaming itself. Have been having fun though playing word womp and sitting with Pippa and Alice. The rest of our group is at another table, maybe tomorrow we can all sit together. What a great experience this will be however when we get started.
Sitting here waiting to begin the gaming itself. Have been having fun though playing word womp and sitting with Pippa and Alice. The rest of our group is at another table, maybe tomorrow we can all sit together. What a great experience this will be however when we get started.
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