Using Computers to Break the Ice!

What's the Big Idea?

So, I am taking a Technology for Educators class (aka EME5050) and we were asked to draw upon ideas on curriculum integration and digital storytelling, and plan a digital storytelling project for our students. To recap, digital storytelling is stories, explanations and information expressed in a digital format. For example, a video with sound, words, and pictures about you could be considered a digital story!

To spin off of my last blog posting on digital storytelling, I want to discuss a digital storytelling idea that I have for my future classroom. It is my aspiration to teach either an educational technology or student success course to college level students. In my curriculum, I want my students to create a blog to showcase their ideas and work. Now, I know this idea may seem a bit cliché or cheesy but I would like to have my students use digital storytelling to create a pumped up version of an icebreaker. I mean think about it, the typical icebreaker includes short bursts of information. “Hi, my name is Rabecka, I’m 25, a single mom and I am studying career and technical education…” However, a digital icebreaker would allow the students to express themselves creatively.

Moreover, this digital icebreaker would be one of the first artifacts they would put into their own blog (yes, I’ve been inspired by blogs). I think this project would be a great way to have the students hit the ground running with technology and create an introduction that is unique to them and memorable to the class.  

Bringing the Idea to Life

To accomplish this project, my students would create a video using Movie Maker, iMovie, or Photo Story. The video would need to include pictures as well as audio and/or voice narration. The video would be no more than 3 minutes long.

To get the ball rolling, I would show an example icebreaker that I created (guess I need bust out some pictures) and use this a teacher-created resource. I think showcasing my own work would help my students connect with me and of course gain some inspiration!

Some web resources I would provide include:

Icebreaker Ideas - http://twt.wikispaces.com/Ice-Breaker+Ideas

Download for Photo Story - http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11132

Download for Movie Maker - http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-movie-maker-get-started

iMovie Info - http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/

This is just the begining of an idea that will soon spin out of control. Tell me what you think!

Digital Storytelling...

Hello World! So, I am taking a class on ways to integrate technology into the classroom. Our assignment this week was to explore digital storytelling and its benefits. Check out my Prezi on digital storytelling!

Digital Storytelling My Way

Is There a Place for Video Games in the Classroom?

So, this week I got into a debate at work with one of my co-workers (I promise I didn’t start it) about whether video games had a place in the classroom. Her stance was no and mines was the opposite. She simply didn’t see any educational value. Of course, I mentioned that today’s kids are game crazy and that (in my opinion) they might be more engaged to a topic or lesson if some gaming was involved. She kind of saw my point of view, but was still sticking to her guns. She felt, adding video games was a waste of time and too much of a distractor. So, I had to pull out the big guns. I talked about an idea I had to implement the computer game, Rollercoaster Tycoon, into the classroom.

Rollercoasters, are you kidding? No, I’m really not J Rollercoaster Tycoon is a game that allows players to design, build, and operate their own theme parks. I have played it a hundred times (what addiction lol). Players start with beginner level parks and progress to more advanced parks. In order to progress, players must meet certain park objectives. Objectives vary and can include building 10 rollercoasters by a certain deadline or raising park revenue while keeping park ratings above a certain level. Players can also design their own parks and rides from scratch (depending on which version you play). Click Here to see a YouTube Video!

How does this tie into learning? Well, I think this game fosters creativity and critical thinking. For example, players must decide what type of rides they can buy that will fit into their budget.  Or, when building rollercoasters, players must carefully construct the rides and pay attention to force and velocity among many other things. Essentially, I could see this game being used in business, physics, engineering, and even math courses. Perhaps, the instructor could have students team up and build a park or rollercoaster, then present their experiences. Just an idea!

Overall, I think video games can be implemented into the classroom. However, the games should be compatible with the learning environment, course topic/lesson, and learners. Not every game is right. Me and my co-worker pretty much agreed to disagree. So, I am thirsty for your thoughts! Do you think video games can be implemented into classroom?