Computers are wonderful tools for teaching problem solving to students. Using software programs and apps, students may consider different possible solutions and then receive immediate feedback about their answers.
Problem solving and inquiry learning use real-world situations and issues to actively engage students. According to the textbook, problem solving and inquiry learning require students to follow a classic approach proposed by George Polya for solving problems. The essential steps in Polya's framework include:
1. Understanding the problem
2. Using problem-solving strategies
3. Checking results
In chapter 7, text mentioned about a simulation game such as River City, in which math and science problems are tied to economic and social outcomes, provides an in-depth problem-solving experience. I think using simulation games as teaching tool would be a great idea. Depends on what game it is, it can be used as a tool to differentiate instructions to students with different levels of learning. Also, using game as teaching tool would motivate students. It would make learning interesting and fun. Using technology tool such as computer game wasn't an option when I was in school but for children now days, it seems pretty natural when a lot of people has smartphones and tablet PCs that they can play with.
Strategies can help teachers use games and gaming more effectively in the classroom.
1. Minimize the use of Games that teach isolated skills.
2. Scrutinize Games that function solely on points won or lost.
3. Discuss Games and their content.
4. Play Games together.
Among those strategies that mentioned, I think discussing and monitoring what games would be very important. As we discussed and read in previous reading, it is always important to review what websites or software games before children play. Examine what they are using and will learn from those games.
Compute-based social media technologies are changing how teachers and students communicate with one another. Chapter 8 talks about communicating and collaborating with social media.
Communication and social networking technologies provide ways for teachers to connect with students, promote meaningful learning, and extend academic learning beyond the confines of regular school days.
The chapter discuss multiple social media technologies to use in teaching.
1. Email and text messaging
2. Teacher or classroom websites
3. Blogs
4. Online discussions
5. Wikis
Paper handouts were only communicating method that was used during my early school years. One of my friend who is a teacher was communicating through email with one student's mom. At first, it was surprising to me that they actually communicate through emails about students progress and concerns. This was never happened when I was in school. However, I think using social media to communicate with students and parents would be a good method. They can get feedbacks right away. If a student is struggling with something, teachers and parents can cooperate together and help students without delay.
Questions:
1. Any recommendation of good software games to use for first time teachers?
2. What would be pros and cons of using social media technologies as communicating tool with students and parents?
3. What would be some strategies to prevent children from heavily rely on using computer games as only learning tool?
I think one of the biggest cons of any type of technology communication tool for teachers is the connection it gives them to the school. By this I mean it is like they never leave work. Other professions clock out and they are done for the day. Teachers, as we all know, keep working even after the last bell rings. There are papers to grade and plans to write. When we add in social media, email, and sometimes even phone calls and texts it seems like the parents are right there with us in our living room. I remember a professor once told me to never give out your cell phone number to parents. If they ask for a number to reach you at then give them the schools number. Explain that you will only check your email between certain hours and not on the weekends. This may seem difficult for a new teacher who wants to please everyone and go above and beyond, but there needs to be the divide. Also, If you have a personal social media platform account, for example Facebook, do not add parents to your friend list. If you do become friends with a few parents wait until after the school year to start this "cyber friendship." Although technology can be so useful with reaching out and getting important information to the parents and students, I do believe that it should not add extra work to our already heavily demanding workload.
ReplyDeleteJeYoun, it's true that technology can offer another approach to learning: problem solving. For some students who experience difficulty with "connecting the dots", technology can be an aid for them. for example, I tutor a student who is a struggling reader and his mother also purchased a program that assigns him both book reading and interactive computer reading.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with you, good stimulate games could help students to effective learning. For example, my nephew is 2 years old. He always paly some kinds of intelligency development game on the ipad such as filling color of pictures, helping animals take shower, and fishing. Those games could help him to build awareness such as you need to take shower and keep clean, recognize different animals under the sea, and identify different color. However, if you teach him the knowledge with only static stuffs, he would not focus his attention for a long time.
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