Games are the new education…

Gaming

Going along with the theory of constructivism, games are the new education by which children use them as resources to build upon their learning, knowledge, thoughts and ideas. Creative play is one of the most important ways children can discover their learning. The ability for children to learn at their own pace. The need for children to explore within their own environment and play games that represent real experiences are a vital resource for teachers to use within their education. The podcasts Gaming is a video by which discusses the need for computer gaming within the classroom. It is stated that gaming can be used to both consolidate and introduce a topic and can be used as a tool in the classroom to allow children to self discover the important learning KLA’s. I believe that games are the way to education. The ability for children to self explore on computer games by which provide constant instructions and monitor a child’s learning is a great way for a teacher to constantly reinforce particular learning. Games provide constant encouragement and motivation for children to maintain on tasks and enjoy their learning. I will incorporate computer games into my teacher and at leasts constantly use games to encourage self discovery within their learning and provide consistant motivation.

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Sheridan School Showcase!

Recently reading the blog ‘Sheridan School Showcase’ i have began to understand the true positives of education learned through technology and the use of e-learning within the school. This blog has been set up as a way for the teacher to provide feedback about their classes learning experiences by which all involved can access and view. I think this is such a great idea because students can visulise their work on the internet a place where all their achievement can be celebrated. The ability for all involved to access this information allows children to feel validated and introduces them to new ways of thinking. The ability for the teacher to introduce podcasts – reading their poems they have written – adds another step to the lesson and gives children a real reason for these literacy skills. When children know they are going to be watched not only by the teacher in the classroom but by others all over the world at any time, allows children to understand the true importance of all their education and provides and reflection on their abilities within their contextual environment. I think this blog is a fabulous idea and i will certainly be using it in my further teaching.

Bringing education into the 21st century

I have recently read the article How to bring our schools out of the 20th century which discusses the need to bring schools from the common pencil, paper, instructional teaching to that of something that is worthwhile for students to learn from. This article recognises the need for the all important mathematical and scientific skills and knowledge yet expresses the need for schools to catch up with the ever so adapting world around us. With the growing global economy based upon technology the need for schools to change and adapt to this new age is ever so important. When reading this article i imagined what school was like for myself and when entering a school for prac i realised nothing had really changed. I then began to think of why this hadn’t happened and how the world outside of school has change so much. I began to think all this children must at least have a Nintendo wee or a computer or a mobile phone at home. However, when entering school they understand that it is not a place for technology. I don’t understand this. If 5 yr olds can use a mobile phone, then why aren’t we utilizing the technology choices in our schools. Why cant children use photoshop in art or create i movies instead of role plays. Allowing children to understand that school is preparing them for real life then we need to incorporate all aspects of there lives- including technology and the use of e-learning in schools. Although it has been discussed by teachers that the idea of e-skills being taught in the primary school is a great idea they have expressed the lack of time they have within one day. Wanting to please but all teachers are unable to find the tme to incorporate the entire curiculum plus additional educational needs and then for e-learning. I understand boths sides, recognises that the world is changing into a techno digital age schools need to follow in this direction, however some aspects of the curriculum and school days needed to be assessed before we can cram more into a child’s day!!!