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Do you know what your students are doing when they're not in class? Chances are, they're playing video games and having a blast! Video games have become an integral part of our culture, but how can teachers use this to their advantage in the classroom? Games can be an excellent instructional tool that is engaging for learners. However, before diving into gaming with your students, it's important to consider some common pitfalls associated with using these types of "entertainment" tools.
1. Video Games can be a powerful instructional tool
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The idea of using video games as a teaching tool is not entirely new. For example, one study showed that students who played the game Civilization improved their understanding of world history more than those in traditional classrooms.
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Games are also being used to teach kids about STEM and other complex subjects like how different cultures interact with each other. Games offer an opportunity to explore topics in ways that were never possible before without extensive prep or research for teachers looking to diversify what they offer learners while still meeting standards set forth by state curriculum laws and guidelines given from the district level down.
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However, some cautions need to be taken when doing this especially if you're just starting out because there are plenty of pitfalls associated with gaming-based learning (GBL).
2. Games are not just for fun, they can also teach students about complex topics like math and science.
Games that allow players to explore new worlds or experiment with the laws of physics have many educational uses in the classroom. Make sure you're clear with your objectives when teaching with video games so learners know what to expect at all times
There are some great resources and games out there that can be fit into specific sections and parts of your curriculum. Kerbal Space game, Democracy, Minecraft, World Rescue, and others. What I suggest is to find a resource or game that you can incorporate into your lessons multiple times and are simple to operate for you and the students. If it is not easy to operate, then there will be a lot of wasted valuable instruction time. You will not actually use it if it is complicated to use.
Some other considerations include the level of difficulty so all learners have an opportunity to succeed with whatever is being taught within the game environment: lower levels make it easy while higher.
There are some great resources and games out there that can be fit into specific sections and parts of your curriculum. Kerbal Space game, Democracy, Minecraft, World Rescue, and others. What I suggest is to find a resource or game that you can incorporate into your lessons multiple times and are simple to operate for you and the students. If it is not easy to operate, then there will be a lot of wasted valuable instruction time. You will not actually use it if it is complicated to use.
Some other considerations include the level of difficulty so all learners have an opportunity to succeed with whatever is being taught within the game environment: lower levels make it easy while higher.
3. Teachers should consider the content of games before using them in their classroom
However, some cautions need to be taken when doing this especially if you're just starting out because there are plenty of pitfalls associated with gaming-based learning (GBL). Teachers who are new to gaming may not be aware that some video game titles are inappropriate for a school setting. Games like Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, and Gears of War have been criticized by parents and educators alike for containing violence or language, or sexual themes.
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I have to reemphasize simplicity here. KISS is a method that you may have heard of and it truly applies here. Find a game that can use a lot of your content and is fun and engaging for the kids.
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The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore, simplicity should be a key goal in design, and unnecessary complexity should be avoided.
Teachers should consider the content of games before using them in their classroom to make sure that it aligns with curriculum standards set forth by state laws or district guidelines given from the top down.
4. Teachers should use games that allow for different levels of difficulty so all learners have an opportunity to succeed
There needs to be a way to allow for success at the learner's level. There should allow for progress and growth within the game. If you can not differentiate the curriculum, then it is bound to leave some learners out.
The point is that playing games in and out of class can be a powerful teaching method for students who may learn best when they are more engaged, but it's important to make sure you find an appropriate game before using it as part of your curriculum materials! Games have also been found to increase engagement with harder topics like math and science."
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Find games or resources that allow for individualized learning as well as whole class review. Here at Blended Play, we allow you to upload your content and questions into multiple games that can be small groups, whole class, or individualized. This allows simplicity to input the curriculum and questions that align with your local requirements and standards with ease. We are working on adding even more individualized video games that will allow you to assign video games for homework and for individualized learning plans. This will allow all the kids to play the same game but have different levels of content and questions.
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It will also allow for easy grading and give instant feedback to your students. This will save you the time and effort of having to take those worksheets or quizzes home for grading. (We have all done it, there is no way it can all be done in the planning period.)
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