Blog #1 Contribution of Learning

Although “tongue in cheek”, I did make everyone feel better about their lack of “technological savvy”, since I really struggle with Twitter, etc.

But seriously, as a teacher since 1984, I feel that I have seen every awesome educational idea that has been introduced over the years, and then seen them fall away as ineffective.  So, I hesitated with accepting the idea of serious games as a real learning opportunity for students and saw it as just another educational “fly by night” idea.  But as I studied, thought about the ideas, watched the TED talks, and really evaluated their use, I believe they can be a strong asset to any teaching program.  That being said, since I am so “gun shy” of any new-fangled idea, and have a few years in the classroom under my belt, I believe that my evaluation of the serious games as a true learning tool will be more readily acceptable than from a younger teacher.  I, in no way, am saying that I am the “wise old man on the mountain”, but I believe my experience may give credibility to my opinion.

I also believe that my game choices in my initial blog are very useful for students to use.  They make math real for students, help students better understand the conflicts in the Middle East, and allow them to learn the rules of the road prior to driving on the road.  These games that I have made available to others are a real strength to a classroom and are not only fun to “play”, but the learning behind these games will better prepare students for real life situations.  

Finally, I think that my philosophy about the use of serious games might be an encouragement to those who are hesitant to give them a try.  I believe that very few students will ever really change the world, but they will be making a difference in their “own little world” of the people they are in contact with from day to day.  This being the case, the theory and skills they learn while playing serious games can easily be translated into real life.