Integrating Computer &Video Games into Classrooms by Jill Ziebell

1. Integrating Computer &Video Games into Classrooms by Jill Ziebell Survey Findings Introduction: Children today encounter technology in many aspects of their lives. Why not in education? Much research exists to dispute or support the use of video or computer games in classrooms. Research: Through research we discovered many different attitudes about the effects of computer and videos games in classrooms. We learned that many believe technology will enhance a students learning by adapting to individual learners and providing students with another learning input that engages their interests. Others believe computer and video games will cause harm by inhibiting creativity, encouraging violence, and support inactivity. Survey Method: 31 future teachers were surveyed using Survey Monkey. The survey was used to determine the attitude of future teachers on the integration of computer and video games in classrooms. The survey asks questions regarding benefits and possible harms or road blocks. It also asked the future teachers whose responsibility it was to ensure resources for classrooms and if computers aid teachers or create more difficulty. Here’s a link to our survey:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspxsm=Mm_2bborC8j7sWgjwt65u3kQ_3d_3d • Survey Questions: • Which subjects do you believe elementary students will benefit the greatest with the integration of computer games? Math, Science, Reading, Social Studies, All above • Games help students to make and maintains the _____of learning. Effort, Skill, Idea, Downside • Computer and video games hamper a student’s creativity. Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither agree or Disagree, Strongly Disagree • What is the greatest roadblock schools face in making their schools up-to-date technologically? Financial, Untrained teachers, Parents, or the Federal government. • Should teachers be required to utilize a certain amount of technology in their classroom? Yes / No • Are individual school districts responsible for determining the amount of resources spent on technology in classrooms? Yes/ No • True or False. Children who play adventure/simulation games may develop strategic thinking and planning skills. • True or False. Computer and video games help some students focus their attention and hone their scholastic skills • Explain why you think having computer games in the classroom is easier or harder for a teacher to teach and lead his or her class? • In your thoughts, do video games in the classroom overall help a child learn a subject better then having an actual teacher give the lesson? Conclusion: Many future teachers believe that computer games will benefit students in many areas of education and help students maintain effort, skills, and the idea of learning. They also feel the greatest roadblocks schools face in becoming up-to-date technologically is financial. Overall future teachers appear willing and ready to incorporate computer and video games in their curriculum and expect their students to excel because of their efforts. The future teachers did comment that technology cannot replace a skilled teacher but can enhance their classroom experience. One of the greatest difficulties teachers may find is keeping up-to-date. Greater research needs to be done to find a way to keep schools up to date within their budget. Technology will enhance a child’s learning experience only if it is valid. References: Gentile, D. A., Ph.D. (2009, July 23). Video games affect the brain - for better or worse. Retrieved September 9, 2009, from http://www.dana.org Schulman, A. (2009). Back to school with family education: The cost-benefit analysis of computers in schools. Retrieved September 9, 2009, from http://school.familyeducation.com Science education resource center Carleton College. (2009, August 11). Starting point teaching entry-level: How to teach using games. Retrieved September 9, 2009, from http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/games.html • Other Survey Findings: • 97% of those surveyed believe the biggest roadblocks will be financial. • 65% believe teachers should be required to use a certain amount of technology. • Most believe that computer games develop strategic thinking and hone skills. • 68% believe school districts should be responsible for the amount of resources spent on technology.