Today was a good day! I am anxious to start working on my story line. I learned a lot of good things today. I am looking forward to working on this through this next year. I just hope I don't forget everything I have learned this week.
Thanks for all the help!!!!!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Day 5 Afternoon
Who supports and who benefits from your participation in this project?
Obviously we are getting great support from NCSU. Everyone here has been extremely helpful. We are also getting support from the central office and schools. I think many people will benefit. First, I am! I am learning a lot about video games. Other teachers across the state will also benefit when our games are complete. Most importantly our students will benefit by having a new fun and interesting way to learn, practice and review material.
What other technology do you wish you could use or have support for?
I want a Smartboard! Hopefully I will get one this year. I don't know how to use it, but I have watched others. So if I get one, I will be asking for a lot of help.
Obviously we are getting great support from NCSU. Everyone here has been extremely helpful. We are also getting support from the central office and schools. I think many people will benefit. First, I am! I am learning a lot about video games. Other teachers across the state will also benefit when our games are complete. Most importantly our students will benefit by having a new fun and interesting way to learn, practice and review material.
What other technology do you wish you could use or have support for?
I want a Smartboard! Hopefully I will get one this year. I don't know how to use it, but I have watched others. So if I get one, I will be asking for a lot of help.
Day 5 Morning
How do you see this game as a tool for connecting with your students?
First, they are going to think that their teacher is the coolest ever because she was able to create such a great game! I hope my students are going to see that I care enough to create something different and to try new things. I hope using the game will help me start conversations and connect with some of my "reluctant learners".
First, they are going to think that their teacher is the coolest ever because she was able to create such a great game! I hope my students are going to see that I care enough to create something different and to try new things. I hope using the game will help me start conversations and connect with some of my "reluctant learners".
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Day 4 Shutdown Power Off
I am tired! Today seemed like a long day. I have a better understanding of codes. I was actually able to solve one of my own problems in a string of codes that I made. I much more comfortable downloading, exporting and using sounds.
I understand now why this is a 2 year project. I spent an hour on a building and stairs only to find when it was done that I didn't like it! I think it is going to be very important to do a lot of planning before starting my game.
I understand now why this is a 2 year project. I spent an hour on a building and stairs only to find when it was done that I didn't like it! I think it is going to be very important to do a lot of planning before starting my game.
Day 4 Afternoon
What interested you in video games as a form of teaching?
We are always being told to use technology in our classroom but I don't like most of what is available to me. Most kids, especially boys, like to play video games. I thought that by creating games specific to my subject I could reach some students who usually don't show a lot of interest in math. Kids are going to play video questions that might as well be playing games that they can learn from.
We are always being told to use technology in our classroom but I don't like most of what is available to me. Most kids, especially boys, like to play video games. I thought that by creating games specific to my subject I could reach some students who usually don't show a lot of interest in math. Kids are going to play video questions that might as well be playing games that they can learn from.
Day 4 Morning
What do you do well when connecting to your students? Do you have any concerns about connecting with your students?
I try to make sure that my students know that I care about them and what they are doing. I also try to be genuine with my students. They know if you are faking it! I try to take an interest in what they are doing. I will go to watch them play. If I see their name or picture in the paper I will cut the article out and give it to them. If I know they played well in a game or performed well in a play I will compliment them on it. Little things like that seem to make a big impression on them.
My biggest concern is that I don't want to cross the teacher-student line. I want them to be comfortable with me, but I am still the teacher and they are still the student. That respect level still needs to be there on both sides.
I try to make sure that my students know that I care about them and what they are doing. I also try to be genuine with my students. They know if you are faking it! I try to take an interest in what they are doing. I will go to watch them play. If I see their name or picture in the paper I will cut the article out and give it to them. If I know they played well in a game or performed well in a play I will compliment them on it. Little things like that seem to make a big impression on them.
My biggest concern is that I don't want to cross the teacher-student line. I want them to be comfortable with me, but I am still the teacher and they are still the student. That respect level still needs to be there on both sides.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Day 3 Shutdown Power Off
Today was a lot of fun! Learning how to put in sounds was easy. Sounds will make the game more interesting for the kids. Learning how to make a quiz was also very helpful. This will help me as I am trying to form a story line. A feature that would really help would be an "Undo" button to help correct all my mistakes and accidents! I feel much more confident about the program now after just 3 days! I can't believe the difference from Monday. I am really looking forward to starting my game.
Day 3 Afternoon
Describe how your students learn best.
Students learn best when they are actively engaged. The more the they are involved the more they learn. Although there are times when they must sit and copy notes or listen to their boring teacher (me) I try to make sure that after that I have some activity for them to practice. In math students must practice the concepts to learn the material.
Students learn best when they are actively engaged. The more the they are involved the more they learn. Although there are times when they must sit and copy notes or listen to their boring teacher (me) I try to make sure that after that I have some activity for them to practice. In math students must practice the concepts to learn the material.
Day 3 Morning
Describe your teaching.
Wow, that is a loaded question! When I teach I guess I have two main areas that I focus on. First is my subject content (math) and making it clear to my students. I am a big believer in listing out steps for procedures and modeling problem solving techniques. I give students many examples so that they have something to refer to when it is time for them to work problems on their own.
My second focus is relating the content to my students and making it interesting to them. I was once asked in an interview how I did this and my reply was "Any way I can!" I use buying a car (What 8th grader doesn't want a car?) to teach interest and tax and then on to unit rate (mpg). Later when we study linear equations and rate of change I can refer back to the car and mpg. For some topics I rely on the students to relate it to their lives. They can certainly come up with some strange connections, but if it works I'm okay with it.
I try to make sure my students know that I care about them as individuals. If they know you care, they are more trusting and more willing to work for you.
Wow, that is a loaded question! When I teach I guess I have two main areas that I focus on. First is my subject content (math) and making it clear to my students. I am a big believer in listing out steps for procedures and modeling problem solving techniques. I give students many examples so that they have something to refer to when it is time for them to work problems on their own.
My second focus is relating the content to my students and making it interesting to them. I was once asked in an interview how I did this and my reply was "Any way I can!" I use buying a car (What 8th grader doesn't want a car?) to teach interest and tax and then on to unit rate (mpg). Later when we study linear equations and rate of change I can refer back to the car and mpg. For some topics I rely on the students to relate it to their lives. They can certainly come up with some strange connections, but if it works I'm okay with it.
I try to make sure my students know that I care about them as individuals. If they know you care, they are more trusting and more willing to work for you.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Day 2 Shutdown Power Off
Today went much faster than yesterday. I think I started 4 different worlds, but I only have 1 to show for all my work! I feel more comfortable using the program, but I still have a lot to learn. I'm trying to write down as much as I can, but most of this you just have to learn by doing it. Oliver did show me short cuts for moving and rotating objects that I think will help a lot.
I still need to decide on a story line and what type of math I want to incorporate. Once I have that decided I think I will feel better about this.
I still need to decide on a story line and what type of math I want to incorporate. Once I have that decided I think I will feel better about this.
Day 2 Afternoon
How does the technology you currently use enhance your students learning and your teaching? How do you know?
Students seem more interested anytime I use technology. When we use the graphing calculators we can move faster and it's easier for students to see relationships. I find that I have to plan more when I am going to use technology in a lesson. But I think that makes my lessons better. I believe that the technology enhances student learning based on the response to the lessons.
Students seem more interested anytime I use technology. When we use the graphing calculators we can move faster and it's easier for students to see relationships. I find that I have to plan more when I am going to use technology in a lesson. But I think that makes my lessons better. I believe that the technology enhances student learning based on the response to the lessons.
Day 2 Morning
How do you currently use technology in your classroom?
I use a lot of PowerPoint presentations when I need to show notes, formulas, or examples that all students need to know. This frees me up to answer individual questions (when before I would be at the overhead writing it out for each class) and I can print the notes for students who are absent. I also use graphing calculators, once students have learned to graph by hand. I can go to the computer lab and use ClassScape for assessments. There is also the Orchard program which I used this year for remediation.
As an eighth grade teacher I am also responsible for getting students ready for the computer skills test. Last year for the first few months of school we spent a lot of time working on spreadsheets and databases. This year I want to create lessons that include the 8th grade math SCOS objectives with the computer skills objectives.
I use a lot of PowerPoint presentations when I need to show notes, formulas, or examples that all students need to know. This frees me up to answer individual questions (when before I would be at the overhead writing it out for each class) and I can print the notes for students who are absent. I also use graphing calculators, once students have learned to graph by hand. I can go to the computer lab and use ClassScape for assessments. There is also the Orchard program which I used this year for remediation.
As an eighth grade teacher I am also responsible for getting students ready for the computer skills test. Last year for the first few months of school we spent a lot of time working on spreadsheets and databases. This year I want to create lessons that include the 8th grade math SCOS objectives with the computer skills objectives.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Day 1 Shutdown Power Off
Today was a day of waiting. However I finally have everything downloaded and installed. I was able to create and play around in a new world. There is a lot that I still have to learn! Right now it is scary to think about creating a game, but I think that once I feel comfortable with the programs that it will be okay. I see much potential in this program!
Day 1 Afternoon
Why are you here?
When I heard about this program I immediately wanted to be a part of it. I am always trying to use more technology in my classroom. This program sounded different from all the other computer games and programs that we currently use.
What are you excited about?
I'm excited about creating a game for my students that will help them with difficult concepts.
What are you concerned about?
I'm concerned about making the game interesting for the students. I want them to want to play it, but I also want to make sure the game is really reinforcing what is taught in class.
When I heard about this program I immediately wanted to be a part of it. I am always trying to use more technology in my classroom. This program sounded different from all the other computer games and programs that we currently use.
What are you excited about?
I'm excited about creating a game for my students that will help them with difficult concepts.
What are you concerned about?
I'm concerned about making the game interesting for the students. I want them to want to play it, but I also want to make sure the game is really reinforcing what is taught in class.
Day 1 Morning
What are your feelings about video games in general?
I do not have strong feelings either way about video games. On the positive side, I enjoy playing games after a long day at work. I find it relaxing. As a parent of an 11 year old boy, I have some negative feelings about the amount of time my son wants to spend playing games. He would play all day if we allowed him to - time playing games needs to be managed by a parent. I worry about kids who do nothing but play games, they miss out on so much.
What are you feelings about video games as learning tools?
I think we have come to a time where we need to use video games as a part of learning. Most kids are very comfortable with computers and enjoy playing games. I think using learning games can be a good way to get some of our reluctant learners involved. I do not want the games to be the focus of the instruction, but as a way to practice and review objectives already taught.
I do not have strong feelings either way about video games. On the positive side, I enjoy playing games after a long day at work. I find it relaxing. As a parent of an 11 year old boy, I have some negative feelings about the amount of time my son wants to spend playing games. He would play all day if we allowed him to - time playing games needs to be managed by a parent. I worry about kids who do nothing but play games, they miss out on so much.
What are you feelings about video games as learning tools?
I think we have come to a time where we need to use video games as a part of learning. Most kids are very comfortable with computers and enjoy playing games. I think using learning games can be a good way to get some of our reluctant learners involved. I do not want the games to be the focus of the instruction, but as a way to practice and review objectives already taught.
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