The experience of gaming in this class has definitely been an interesting one. I have enjoyed reading everyone’s blogs and, in a way, wish I had picked a different game. I’m not sure I got into Diner Dash as much as I should have. I think part of the problem was that I didn’t devote enough time to playing the game. However, I found that when I did play, I was easily frustrated when I couldn’t beat a level. This lead to me giving up for the evening. I think that if I was more successful and didn’t have to play each level a few times, I would have been happier and continued to play for longer periods of time. Also, I first thought that I could multitask and play while watching TV but as the levels got harder I found they needed my full attention. Being much more into TV then gaming, I would stop playing the game so I could concentrate on the TV show I was watching. I guess overall, Diner Dash did no hold my interest as I had hoped it would. This could be because I’m not really a gamer, or I didn’t give the game enough time.
In relating this gaming experience to that of learning, I think it is similar because it really shows how important it is to spark the learner’s interest. Since I was not fully interested in the game I was playing, I decided to push it aside more than I decided to play it. If a student is given lots of work they aren’t interested in they will be much more reluctant to do it than if they are given something they can really get into and like. Recently, I did a short lesson on persuasive writing. Some of my students were already not looking forward to the follow up activity thinking it would be a lot of writing. Instead, I paired them up and had them work on developing a commercial, telling them this was a form of persuasive writing. They were so excited to come up with their “product” that they didn’t even care about the short paragraph they have to write in order to “sell” their product to their classmates.
Aside from taking the students’ interests into account, this class has taught me to take a different approach to teaching. Having us play a game taught us about learning in a different way. It might seem odd at first to have graduate students playing video games, but it was certainly a roundabout way to get us thinking about the learning process. I know that a lot of students get frustrated with schoolwork the way I did with the game. Having strategies to deal with the frustration and work through the challenges are extremely helpful. Making learning fun and keeping it motivating will help students want to learn and enjoy what they are doing.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Violence and obesity
When reading the articles about obesity, violence and aggression, I definitely felt like I believed video game use does influence all three of them. As obesity becomes more and more of an issue with today’s youth, video game use and production increases. The article said that obesity has increase in the past 3 decades. I would say that in the past 3 decades the number of video game systems and available video games has also increased. The recent introduction of the Wii seems to be a change in the right direction, if the child is playing the sports games that gets them up and moving. It would be interesting to compare a child that only used the physical games on the Wii with those that played average video games only requiring the use of your thumbs.
As far as violence and aggression are concerned, I think this is also related. Even with my elementary students, they will play games at recess that look way to violent to be allowed in school. Sometimes they say it is from a game or TV show they watch. They are definitely imitating what they see and that is not always a good thing! One of the articles mentioned “intense engagement” which I think is a major factor. If the child can’t separate play from reality that will definitely cause some problems. Doing something in real-life that they would do in the game could be dangerous. The examples of the school shootings show that it can even be deadly, although those are the extreme cases.
So what can be done to prevent all of these things from happening? I guess that parents really need to monitor what their children are doing. They should also stick to the ratings on the video games. Games are rated mature for a reason and those that are younger should not play them. I don’t think simply following the rating is the answer, but it sure would help. One article mentioned how parents seem to screen what their children watch on TV on in the movies more than they pay attention to what video games they are playing. Parental involvement is key in keeping violent games away from young children. Having a conversation with their children about the games they play and the messages they send is also important.
As far as violence and aggression are concerned, I think this is also related. Even with my elementary students, they will play games at recess that look way to violent to be allowed in school. Sometimes they say it is from a game or TV show they watch. They are definitely imitating what they see and that is not always a good thing! One of the articles mentioned “intense engagement” which I think is a major factor. If the child can’t separate play from reality that will definitely cause some problems. Doing something in real-life that they would do in the game could be dangerous. The examples of the school shootings show that it can even be deadly, although those are the extreme cases.
So what can be done to prevent all of these things from happening? I guess that parents really need to monitor what their children are doing. They should also stick to the ratings on the video games. Games are rated mature for a reason and those that are younger should not play them. I don’t think simply following the rating is the answer, but it sure would help. One article mentioned how parents seem to screen what their children watch on TV on in the movies more than they pay attention to what video games they are playing. Parental involvement is key in keeping violent games away from young children. Having a conversation with their children about the games they play and the messages they send is also important.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Learning within games
While reading the first article this week, it really made me realized how useful games in the classroom could be. The example of the history class was very interesting. Personally, history was my worst and least favorite subject in school. If I had used a game similar to the one mentioned in the article, I would think I would have enjoyed it a little more. It does sound like that particular game would be difficult for someone who didn’t have knowledge of basic history terms and concepts, but once getting a hold on those, it would probably be easier. Of course, as the article mentioned, games don’t appeal to everyone and one game won’t appeal to an entire class.
Using games in the classroom sounds like it would encourage and facilitate critical and complex thinking. The games have students encountering problems, thinking about situations and working through them. If the students are really enjoying the game, they probably won’t even realize they are doing all that. Proper monitoring is needed so that the student does not become overly frustrated and might want to give up.
Being a Montessori teacher, I found the mention of the connection with Montessori education interesting. It is true that we urge the students to go in the directions they want with some limitations. Games allow students to “pursue questions of intellectual interest”. Within the game they have the freedom to pursue other activities and take the game in the direction they want. It does sound as if some games would fit nicely with the Montessori curriculum. I agree with the conclusion of the article though, when Squire stated that first there needs to be a good educational system in order for educational games to flourish.
Diner Dash update: I have had a pretty busy week with parent/teacher conferences and haven’t had much time to play, so therefore I haven’t made much progress. However, I was talking to my roommate, who is a pretty avid gamer, and she asked to download the game to her computer. She plays it much more often then me and she is already on level 28! She mentioned that she had a trial of Diner Dash on her laptop when she first got it but that ran out, so she had had some experience with the game before. Anyway, I’m not sure if the key to her success is that she had played the game before and is more of a gamer than myself, or the fact that she seems to play for longer stretches of time. She also happens to be a part-time waitress! It is funny because she said playing the game reminds her of work.
Using games in the classroom sounds like it would encourage and facilitate critical and complex thinking. The games have students encountering problems, thinking about situations and working through them. If the students are really enjoying the game, they probably won’t even realize they are doing all that. Proper monitoring is needed so that the student does not become overly frustrated and might want to give up.
Being a Montessori teacher, I found the mention of the connection with Montessori education interesting. It is true that we urge the students to go in the directions they want with some limitations. Games allow students to “pursue questions of intellectual interest”. Within the game they have the freedom to pursue other activities and take the game in the direction they want. It does sound as if some games would fit nicely with the Montessori curriculum. I agree with the conclusion of the article though, when Squire stated that first there needs to be a good educational system in order for educational games to flourish.
Diner Dash update: I have had a pretty busy week with parent/teacher conferences and haven’t had much time to play, so therefore I haven’t made much progress. However, I was talking to my roommate, who is a pretty avid gamer, and she asked to download the game to her computer. She plays it much more often then me and she is already on level 28! She mentioned that she had a trial of Diner Dash on her laptop when she first got it but that ran out, so she had had some experience with the game before. Anyway, I’m not sure if the key to her success is that she had played the game before and is more of a gamer than myself, or the fact that she seems to play for longer stretches of time. She also happens to be a part-time waitress! It is funny because she said playing the game reminds her of work.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Identity Play
I will be without Internet access this weekend, so here’s my post for Saturday, March 8th.
After reading Gee’s chapters about identity play in video games, I’m not sure if I find it completely beneficial or completely harmful. I think there are pros and cons to it, but it is not entirely good or bad. First of all, it was surprising to me to read about how deep into the game some people get. I know people who play a lot of video games and they seem to consume a lot of their time. I never really thought about how into the game they might actually be.
As far as identity play being beneficial, I think it is an interesting creative outlet. Being able to enter a new world while playing a video game, shows that the player is really involved in what they are doing. Personally, I’m not sure I’d be as invested in the character in the game and what was going on. While playing Diner Dash, I don’t feel like I am really Flo. I feel as if I’m playing as her, but not that I myself am the one waiting tables. The games mentioned in Gee’s book seemed like they would allow the player to feel as if they were actually IN the game more than the game I’m playing. If things were more complicated and intense, I guess it is possible I’d feel more of the connection. Another beneficial thing that might come from identity play would be that the player gets to experience things they wouldn’t normally. If they were really into the game, say as a police officer fighting crime and keeping people safe, it would give the person a chance to do something they wouldn’t get to do in real life. It can also be a form of expression or a chance to do something out of the ordinary.
As far as identity play being harmful, I feel this could be the case if the person gets too involved in the game and can’t separate the game from reality. Realizing the game is only a game is very important. If the game causes the player to lose sight of reality, then that is definitely not a good thing. Overall, I do not see identity play as being entirely beneficial or harmful. It definitely has its positives and negatives.
When comparing identity play to taking character perspectives in novels, I feel that the games allow the participant to take a more active part. They really seem to be the character. The player is able to act as the character and be more involved, actually taking on a role and not just connecting with ideas.
I think that about sums it up for now. In my game news, I have finally beat level 5 and boy did it feel good! I was watching my score as it got closer and closer to the 7000 points needed to move on. I was so excited as it saw it go above that! I tried the next level and didn’t get the necessary points, but figured I’d rather end on a happy note for the night. J
After reading Gee’s chapters about identity play in video games, I’m not sure if I find it completely beneficial or completely harmful. I think there are pros and cons to it, but it is not entirely good or bad. First of all, it was surprising to me to read about how deep into the game some people get. I know people who play a lot of video games and they seem to consume a lot of their time. I never really thought about how into the game they might actually be.
As far as identity play being beneficial, I think it is an interesting creative outlet. Being able to enter a new world while playing a video game, shows that the player is really involved in what they are doing. Personally, I’m not sure I’d be as invested in the character in the game and what was going on. While playing Diner Dash, I don’t feel like I am really Flo. I feel as if I’m playing as her, but not that I myself am the one waiting tables. The games mentioned in Gee’s book seemed like they would allow the player to feel as if they were actually IN the game more than the game I’m playing. If things were more complicated and intense, I guess it is possible I’d feel more of the connection. Another beneficial thing that might come from identity play would be that the player gets to experience things they wouldn’t normally. If they were really into the game, say as a police officer fighting crime and keeping people safe, it would give the person a chance to do something they wouldn’t get to do in real life. It can also be a form of expression or a chance to do something out of the ordinary.
As far as identity play being harmful, I feel this could be the case if the person gets too involved in the game and can’t separate the game from reality. Realizing the game is only a game is very important. If the game causes the player to lose sight of reality, then that is definitely not a good thing. Overall, I do not see identity play as being entirely beneficial or harmful. It definitely has its positives and negatives.
When comparing identity play to taking character perspectives in novels, I feel that the games allow the participant to take a more active part. They really seem to be the character. The player is able to act as the character and be more involved, actually taking on a role and not just connecting with ideas.
I think that about sums it up for now. In my game news, I have finally beat level 5 and boy did it feel good! I was watching my score as it got closer and closer to the 7000 points needed to move on. I was so excited as it saw it go above that! I tried the next level and didn’t get the necessary points, but figured I’d rather end on a happy note for the night. J
Saturday, March 1, 2008
New Literacies
Having had a class with Dr. Knobel, I was familiar with the term “new literacies”. On a little bit of a side note, while taking her class and writing my paper, the word ‘literacies’ wasn’t even in the Microsoft Word dictionary. It kept telling me it was spelled wrong so I finally added it to the dictionary. I guess that is just one indication of how new the term is.
Being that “new literacies” seems to refer to all the new technologies that are changing the current definition of literacy, there are examples all around us. The chapter we read referred to fan fiction, Manga, online chat, and blogs. (As I type this in Word, blogs and Manga aren’t in the dictionary either.) Other forms of new literacies could be text messaging, using the Internet, and email. Those are all examples I encounter every day. I am online frequently, chatting with friends, emailing my family and also looking for information. I also text message often and prefer that form of quick communication to actually talking on the phone.
All the new forms of literacies are constantly changing what it means to be literate in today’s society. Before they were around, being literate meant being able to read, write and speak in a way to get by on a daily basis. Now, with all the new technologies available, so much more is involved in functioning in today’s society. Being unable to navigate a webpage or email someone would be a disadvantage at the present time. Most jobs involve some form of technology, whether it be using the computer to make Excel spreadsheets or finding information online. The inability to do those things could cost someone their job or the opportunity at a new job.
Literacy can no longer be seen as simply the ability to read and write. That definition would leave out the ability to navigate the Internet, interpret a text message or IM, and post a blog entry. These are all aspects that are greatly influencing literacy today. These issues need to be addressed in schools so that the students are capable of functioning in today’s highly digital society. Teachers need to embrace the changes taking place and incorporate them in their classrooms so the students leave informed and as ready as they can be for the ever-changing world.
An article I read for a class last semester seems to sum this all up. It stated that, “We expect that students in the future will achieve levels of literacy that are difficult to imagine today, and that definitions of literacy will be different from those now in use.” It also said, “What is clear is that literacy will no longer be an end state; instead, it will become a continuous learning processes for all of us. Being literate will be an anachronism. Becoming literate will be the more precise term, since each of us will always be acquiring new literacies as new technologies for literacy regularly appear.”
Just a quick note about Diner Dash. I have played it a few times and seem to be stuck at level 5. I know I haven’t made much progress since my last post but I can’t seem to get enough points to move on to the next level. Once, I was about 50 points away and I found that very frustrating! I figured if I played it once more I could get the points needed but then I did even worse. At that point, I decided to give it a little break and try again another day when I wasn’t feeling as frustrated and could make a fresh start. Hopefully the next time goes better! I read some online tips, thanks to Christin, so I will have to try them.
Being that “new literacies” seems to refer to all the new technologies that are changing the current definition of literacy, there are examples all around us. The chapter we read referred to fan fiction, Manga, online chat, and blogs. (As I type this in Word, blogs and Manga aren’t in the dictionary either.) Other forms of new literacies could be text messaging, using the Internet, and email. Those are all examples I encounter every day. I am online frequently, chatting with friends, emailing my family and also looking for information. I also text message often and prefer that form of quick communication to actually talking on the phone.
All the new forms of literacies are constantly changing what it means to be literate in today’s society. Before they were around, being literate meant being able to read, write and speak in a way to get by on a daily basis. Now, with all the new technologies available, so much more is involved in functioning in today’s society. Being unable to navigate a webpage or email someone would be a disadvantage at the present time. Most jobs involve some form of technology, whether it be using the computer to make Excel spreadsheets or finding information online. The inability to do those things could cost someone their job or the opportunity at a new job.
Literacy can no longer be seen as simply the ability to read and write. That definition would leave out the ability to navigate the Internet, interpret a text message or IM, and post a blog entry. These are all aspects that are greatly influencing literacy today. These issues need to be addressed in schools so that the students are capable of functioning in today’s highly digital society. Teachers need to embrace the changes taking place and incorporate them in their classrooms so the students leave informed and as ready as they can be for the ever-changing world.
An article I read for a class last semester seems to sum this all up. It stated that, “We expect that students in the future will achieve levels of literacy that are difficult to imagine today, and that definitions of literacy will be different from those now in use.” It also said, “What is clear is that literacy will no longer be an end state; instead, it will become a continuous learning processes for all of us. Being literate will be an anachronism. Becoming literate will be the more precise term, since each of us will always be acquiring new literacies as new technologies for literacy regularly appear.”
Just a quick note about Diner Dash. I have played it a few times and seem to be stuck at level 5. I know I haven’t made much progress since my last post but I can’t seem to get enough points to move on to the next level. Once, I was about 50 points away and I found that very frustrating! I figured if I played it once more I could get the points needed but then I did even worse. At that point, I decided to give it a little break and try again another day when I wasn’t feeling as frustrated and could make a fresh start. Hopefully the next time goes better! I read some online tips, thanks to Christin, so I will have to try them.
Monday, February 25, 2008
question
just a quick question for anyone out there...is there a way to get an email when someone comments on your blog? i used to have a livejournal or xanga and i would get an email if someone commented. i try to check as often as i can, but an email update would be great :)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Starting my game
I'll be in Alabama visiting my parents this week so I figured I'd post now for Saturday, 2/23 in case their Internet is being temperamental. Have a good week everyone :)
I originally planned to use the Wii in order to learn a game, however, after experimenting with it a little I changed my mind. I wasn’t sure if the games I had would allow me to become a “master”. Since Dr. Dana had mentioned Diner Dash I decided to give that a try. I didn’t end up with the original, but got “Flo on the Go” where the main character, Flo, is going on a cruise. She loses her suitcase and ends up having to help in the restaurant. I have played the first 5 levels so far and am enjoying the game. This game definitely requires you to be able to multitask and see different things at once. If you have 3 tables seated, you need to notice when they are ready to order and when their food is ready to be served, all while helping the other tables also. An entire service for one table includes: seating them (preferably in corresponding colored seats to gain more points), taking their ordering and brining it to the cook, picking up the food when it is done, bringing them the check, and finally clearing the table for the next guests.
Each group has a row of hearts, which is how you can tell if they are happy or not. As they get angry because they had to wait too long for something, their hearts decrease. One way I have been able to keep them happy is by serving them drinks. This option appeared after the 3rd level I think. It can be a bit overwhelming to see three groups of people waiting to be seating, and all of their hearts decreasing. I feel like I can only serve the tables so fast and get them cleaned for the next group. If people have to wait too long, they even walk away. At the end of each level, you see how many tables you lost.
As I play the game, I am noticing that I’m becoming faster and more attentive. At first I thought I couldn’t try to move Flo while she was doing something else. Now I realize that if I click a series of locations she moves in that order to get everything done. I guess the hardest part is just waiting for the customers to be ready or done so that I can seat those waiting in line.
At the end of each level, you see a report of how you did. There was a certain score needed to make “expert” for that level. I have a feeling that is represented by a different symbol on the level map. I have two symbols that look like stars and two that look like buoys I think. I will have to pay attention next time and take note of whether I was an expert and what symbol I received. I will also attempt the levels again to see if I can change the symbol.
Until next week…happy gaming everyone!
I originally planned to use the Wii in order to learn a game, however, after experimenting with it a little I changed my mind. I wasn’t sure if the games I had would allow me to become a “master”. Since Dr. Dana had mentioned Diner Dash I decided to give that a try. I didn’t end up with the original, but got “Flo on the Go” where the main character, Flo, is going on a cruise. She loses her suitcase and ends up having to help in the restaurant. I have played the first 5 levels so far and am enjoying the game. This game definitely requires you to be able to multitask and see different things at once. If you have 3 tables seated, you need to notice when they are ready to order and when their food is ready to be served, all while helping the other tables also. An entire service for one table includes: seating them (preferably in corresponding colored seats to gain more points), taking their ordering and brining it to the cook, picking up the food when it is done, bringing them the check, and finally clearing the table for the next guests.
Each group has a row of hearts, which is how you can tell if they are happy or not. As they get angry because they had to wait too long for something, their hearts decrease. One way I have been able to keep them happy is by serving them drinks. This option appeared after the 3rd level I think. It can be a bit overwhelming to see three groups of people waiting to be seating, and all of their hearts decreasing. I feel like I can only serve the tables so fast and get them cleaned for the next group. If people have to wait too long, they even walk away. At the end of each level, you see how many tables you lost.
As I play the game, I am noticing that I’m becoming faster and more attentive. At first I thought I couldn’t try to move Flo while she was doing something else. Now I realize that if I click a series of locations she moves in that order to get everything done. I guess the hardest part is just waiting for the customers to be ready or done so that I can seat those waiting in line.
At the end of each level, you see a report of how you did. There was a certain score needed to make “expert” for that level. I have a feeling that is represented by a different symbol on the level map. I have two symbols that look like stars and two that look like buoys I think. I will have to pay attention next time and take note of whether I was an expert and what symbol I received. I will also attempt the levels again to see if I can change the symbol.
Until next week…happy gaming everyone!
Friday, February 15, 2008
How do I learn?
It was very interesting reading the article about how children learn. The “tabula rasa”, or blank slate, view has changed over time giving infants more credit really. They are now thought of as “competent, active agents of their own conceptual development”. It seems they have an early predisposition to learn about some things but not others. This seems similar to the nature versus nature debate. If an infant is exposed to a variety of things and taught how to do tasks, then they will be more likely to learn them. If an infant isn’t exposed to anything or stimulated mentally, they will be less likely to learn a wide variety of things.
Since everyone learns in a different way, it is important for teachers to keep this in mind when teaching. Personally, I know I am a visual learning. I learn much better when I see something done and then have an opportunity to try it on my own. I also learn from hearing information said and taking notes. Writing notes down helps me to remember and organize information. I find it hard to read information, especially difficult text, and gather the necessary details. Since teachers often teach in ways they are comfortable, I know it is important to teach to all learning styles since the students might learn in different ways than myself.
I am looking forward to learning a game since it will be hands on. I have had some experience with games when I was younger and we had the Nintendo and Sega, and then got the Nintendo 64. I have also played some games online, but nothing for any length of time. Playing regularly will be a new experience but I’m looking forward to it.
Since everyone learns in a different way, it is important for teachers to keep this in mind when teaching. Personally, I know I am a visual learning. I learn much better when I see something done and then have an opportunity to try it on my own. I also learn from hearing information said and taking notes. Writing notes down helps me to remember and organize information. I find it hard to read information, especially difficult text, and gather the necessary details. Since teachers often teach in ways they are comfortable, I know it is important to teach to all learning styles since the students might learn in different ways than myself.
I am looking forward to learning a game since it will be hands on. I have had some experience with games when I was younger and we had the Nintendo and Sega, and then got the Nintendo 64. I have also played some games online, but nothing for any length of time. Playing regularly will be a new experience but I’m looking forward to it.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Good morning
Hi my name is Samantha and I'm currently co-teaching grades 1-3 in a Montessori school in Waldwick. I'm looking for a public school job for the fall so if you know of anything let me know!
All the other posts below are from a previous class I took with Dr. Dana so just ingnore them or feel free to read them :)
When it comes to media, I feel that I'm somewhat tech savvy. I have a Facebook and Myspace account and instant message and text message daily. When it comes come gaming, that is a different story. When I was younger I can remember playing Nintendo, and back then the new, exciting game system was the Nintendo 64! Currently, I don't really play any online games or have a game system. I am interested to learn some of the new things out there that my students are using.
I am very interesting in how all the gaming and new technologies are influencing learning today. I do believe that the new literacies are changing the "old" definition of literacy. What it means to be literate in today's society is completely different than what it was a year or two ago. Working with kids, it is important to know the kinds of things they are doing and what they are exposed to. I am looking forward to this class giving me a new outlook when it comes to games and learning. I'm also hoping it will give me some insight into what my students are doing with their free time and now it might impact their learning.
Happy blogging! :)
All the other posts below are from a previous class I took with Dr. Dana so just ingnore them or feel free to read them :)
When it comes to media, I feel that I'm somewhat tech savvy. I have a Facebook and Myspace account and instant message and text message daily. When it comes come gaming, that is a different story. When I was younger I can remember playing Nintendo, and back then the new, exciting game system was the Nintendo 64! Currently, I don't really play any online games or have a game system. I am interested to learn some of the new things out there that my students are using.
I am very interesting in how all the gaming and new technologies are influencing learning today. I do believe that the new literacies are changing the "old" definition of literacy. What it means to be literate in today's society is completely different than what it was a year or two ago. Working with kids, it is important to know the kinds of things they are doing and what they are exposed to. I am looking forward to this class giving me a new outlook when it comes to games and learning. I'm also hoping it will give me some insight into what my students are doing with their free time and now it might impact their learning.
Happy blogging! :)
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