Teachers, keep reading…

I know that you are thinking that games do not belong in a classroom, but I’m writing this blog to prove that idea wrong.

In class we spent a couple of days in the VR/AR lab learning about new technologies that are being used within classrooms to facilitate learning. I was very intimidated when I walked into the room and was handed some goggles and told to follow an online tour. As I have expressed before, I am not the most tech savvy person, and I am constantly coming across things I don’t know how to use. This class in particular definitely took me out of my comfort zone.

https://me.me/i/5th-graderturning-off-youtube-autoplay-teacher-61a057346d834fc4b5c2547178d0e763

Everyone can learn new things as long as they are willing to branch out of their comfort zone and become open to learning things from others. As in the picture above, many teachers learn techniques or tricks or something that changes everything they do in the classroom, from their students at some point. This moment where you are shown something new and it opens your mind to a new world, this can be a great feeling. Wouldn’t it be great if we could bring this excitement to our classrooms and to our students? More often than not, students end up bored in the middle of a lesson and never make it to the end. Even more students never experience a life changing and exciting learning experience.

This is where games come in…

Introducing gaming into lessons within the classroom can get your students engaged and interested in learning. Gaming creates a space where all students can achieve their goals without pressure and stress. Shy students are able to hide behind an avatar within the game, this makes them feel that they can speak up and voice their opinions. Students who are already comfortable in the classroom, can become more engaged and find that gaming makes learning more enjoyable.

Check out the article below to see how gaming can help shy students and promote learning in the classroom.

9 Ways That Technology Boosts Student Confidence in the Classroom

When we were in the VR/AR lab I learned that going on virtual tours, creating environments and characters online, and watching interactive documentaries that take you to the place you’re learning about can increase learning. I was engaged the entire class period, and learned more than I would have if I was just reading or watching a simple video on the topic. It is essential for educators to match their lessons and classwork with the times. Technology is everywhere and it needs to be included in learning in the classroom. Schools are the best environment to teach young students how to incorporate technology into their learning and how to use technology for positive self improvement and not just social media. By showing students step by step and explaining to them how technology fits into almost all aspects of our lives, students can be more prepared for the future. Using games is just another form of technology and although students and most teachers think of gaming as video games; that does not mean that games in the classroom aren’t an option. Gaming within the classroom as we have seen can promote confidence, group collaboration and engagement in topics.

http://castprofessionallearning.org/project/udl101a-deeper-engagement-of-all-learners-motivation-and-emotion-in-the-udl-classroom-a-facilitated-self-paced-course/

I will continue to seek out educational games and also think about video games in an educational way. Most games can be used in math lessons easily, it may be more of a challenge to incorporate games into other subjects but the results are well worth the hard work.

Visit this website to find games that can work in your classroom, or even for students to try at home as a homework assignment.

The Best Interactive Websites for Education and Online Learning Games for K-8

Teachers should not be afraid to introduce new teaching techniques, especially ones that involve technology. The benefits that can be seen within student learning are extremely well worth the extra time and effort a teacher may put in to an online lesson. I look forward to using gaming in my future classrooms and motivating my students to use all resources available to them even if they aren’t conventional. I want to be the teacher that parents and other teachers talk about because I bring revolutionary lessons into my classroom and have motivated and confident students who love to learn. Student spend the majority of their time in a classroom, we should start to make it enjoyable and an environment that fosters learning and excitement.

For more inspiration for where to begin, watch the video below!