This is probably the cleverest and most educational use of high-tech software in a classroom. I've played with Sims and Second Life, but you've found a high quality game, a means to use it legally, and to use it as a meaningful teaching tool. I would want to do this homework! What parent could complain? You take your students on a field trip to ancient Rome, the students have to learn the history and aren't just playing war. I'm not a gamer beyond those EA sports games like Madden Football, but I'm psyched about the possibilities here. Yours is straightforward and the means justifies the end, but it could be fun to work out how some of the wildest games out there could have features one could adapt to a math, science, history etc. lesson. I know UCF teaches courses on gaming, but I now wonder whether there are journals or web sites in which other teacher/gamers have worked out how to adapt popular games into legitimate use for the classroom. How cool would it be to make that the focus of your research assignments, if you have them at this level, or publish your ideas even if the school doesn't require research assignments. It seems like it could easily become a hobby. Can you deduct the costs of the games you use on your taxes?
You've struck gold with this idea! Hope this direction works out for you. You would be the most popular teacher at the school and get my professional vote for Teacher of the Year. Most interesting blog I've read all semester!
I love your idea, and I think it will be very successful. We all know that kids are into technology. Educators need to implement things that will capture and keep students engaged. At this time technology is the answer. Effective teachers go above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done.
This is probably the cleverest and most educational use of high-tech software in a classroom. I've played with Sims and Second Life, but you've found a high quality game, a means to use it legally, and to use it as a meaningful teaching tool. I would want to do this homework! What parent could complain? You take your students on a field trip to ancient Rome, the students have to learn the history and aren't just playing war. I'm not a gamer beyond those EA sports games like Madden Football, but I'm psyched about the possibilities here. Yours is straightforward and the means justifies the end, but it could be fun to work out how some of the wildest games out there could have features one could adapt to a math, science, history etc. lesson. I know UCF teaches courses on gaming, but I now wonder whether there are journals or web sites in which other teacher/gamers have worked out how to adapt popular games into legitimate use for the classroom. How cool would it be to make that the focus of your research assignments, if you have them at this level, or publish your ideas even if the school doesn't require research assignments. It seems like it could easily become a hobby. Can you deduct the costs of the games you use on your taxes?
ReplyDeleteYou've struck gold with this idea! Hope this direction works out for you. You would be the most popular teacher at the school and get my professional vote for Teacher of the Year. Most interesting blog I've read all semester!
Keith
I love your idea, and I think it will be very successful. We all know that kids are into technology. Educators need to implement things that will capture and keep students engaged. At this time technology is the answer. Effective teachers go above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done.
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