Chapter 7 in the textbook was full of information on games,
software, apps, and their link to learning. The three concepts that popped out
at me were educational apps, digital games for learning, and intelligent tutoring
systems. All three concepts are things that as a future teacher I would want to
know more about. The first concept, educational apps, is “software applications
for smart phones and tablet computers that can be used in teaching or personal
learning.” (Maloy, et al, 2013, p.158) This was interesting to me because I
want to make learning as fun as possible when I become a teacher. I also notice
that most kids have a computer, smart phone, or tablet that they use on a daily
basis. I think that if students were made aware of apps that are available and that
are fun they would be likely to play them. The apps being educational is a
great bonus. While looking at the different apps online I found the app for TheMagic School Bus: Oceans by Scholastic on iTunes. This app was just one of a
bunch that can be used for fun and educational purposes. This one stuck out to
me because I used to watch The Magic School Bus when I was a kid. Below is a
little video of the app.
The next concept, digital games for learning, is something
teachers are already putting to use in the classrooms. Teachers are using
computers and web-based games to motivate students to learn. The games students
are playing are helping students to develop “strategic thinking, interpretive analysis,
problem solving, the ability to form and carry out plans, and adaption to rapid
change.” (Maloy, et al, 2013, p.171) These games are allowing students to have
fun and learn at the same time.
The third concept, intelligent tutoring systems, is
something I had not heard of before. An intelligent tutoring system replaces a
human tutor. The software will take a student’s answers to questions and
calculate where a student may need more work or where they can move on. This
tutoring system has been proven to be effective in helping students in all
subjects. The subject it has most helped students in is math. The tutoring
system has “simulations, games, tutorials, or collaborative learning models” (Maloy,
et al, 2013, p.176) that can all be used to help students get better in the
subjects they may be having a hard time with. As a future teacher I think that
this software is a great system for students to use. This would allow teachers to let the students
that need help with a certain subject work on improving their skills while the
rest of the class continues on with other lessons.
In conclusion, educational apps, digital games for learning,
and intelligent tutoring systems are all concepts that teachers can, and some
already are, putting to work to help students with their educational journey. As
a future teacher these are all things that I know that I want to use to help
students. Making learning fun is something that I think is important for
teachers to do. With all the advances to technology it is making it easier and
easier for teachers to help students improve their minds. It also makes the
learning process a lot of fun for the students.
Resources:
Kahl, C. (n.d.). Hands. Retrieved February 16, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKyjCN0Q8Lk
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon
A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming
Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education,
Inc.
The Magic School Bus: Oceans. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16,
2015, from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-magic-school-bus-oceans/id410622343?mt=8
"The Magic School Bus: Oceans" - Scholastic's
Touch & Tilt⢠Storybook App for iPad. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2n-_Itbuvs
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