Quote one:
Video games don’t just carry the potential to replicate a sophisticated scientific
way of thinking. They actually externalize the way in which the human mind works and
thinks in a better fashion than any other technology we have. (Gee, 6)
I absolutely agree with the statement that video games externalize the workings of the human mind, but I do not agree that it does so in a manner better than any other technology. Although playing video games, containing the proper content, can be very informative of and conducive to the developmental and educational processes, there are other forms of technology that involve the use of reading, problem solving, comprehension, and cognitive skills that also reveal extensive amounts of information about the human thought processes.With the ever-changing and growing use of technology, I believe it is impossible to categorize any one particular form of technology as being the best; all of them contribute so greatly.
Quote two:
I have argued for the importance of video games as “action-and-goal-directed
preparations for, and simulations of, embodied experience.” They are the new
technological arena—just as were literacy and computers earlier—around which we can
study the mind and externalize some of its most important features to improve human
thinking and learning. (Gee, 12)
I find the evidence that video games can be used for improving the thinking, learning, and developmental processes to be very interesting. The more research I do into the topic, the more curious I become about the extensive details. I knew that video games could be useful for understanding the mind and how it works, but I had no idea just how much in depth scientific information they could reveal. I look forward to learning more about the developments and benefits of technology in regards to education; existing and future.
Quote three:
The cutting edge of games and learning is not in video game technology—although great graphics are wonderful and technical improvements are important. The cutting edge is realizing the potential of games for learning by building good games into good learning systems in and out of classrooms and by building the good learning principles in good games into learning in and out of school whether or not a video game is present. (Gee, 21)
I strongly agree with the idea that the cutting edge of learning is not based solely upon video game technology, but most importantly on the incorporation of video game learning principals and systems into individual lessons, content, and classrooms. Scientifically speaking it has been proven that video games contribute to the understanding of the human cognitive and developmental processes, but they can also be very useful for making the learning processes an exciting, inspiring, and engaging experience. Teaching lessons that involve gaming characteristics can reach into the minds and hearts of even the most stubborn and withdrawn students. Every individual in the world, not matter how diverse, enjoys playing games.
Gee, J. P. (n.d.). What Are Video Games Good For Learning?
Resourceful Link:
I chose to link to an article titled Video Games and the Future which discusses the way video games and technology have changed the way present day individuals learn. Like the article we read by James Paul Gee, this article highlights the importance of looking beyond the regular classroom into the future of technology and video games; the regular curriculum based upon a technological foundation. Shaffer and colleagues suggest that video games help people learn by integrating thinking, social interaction, and technology to create a new way of learning.
Because we are living in the technological age, it can only be expected that individuals who choose to enter the teaching field will on a regular basis be incorporating new technologies, such as video games, into the classroom curricula. I do not think that the good old fashioned methods of lecturing, reading, and writing will ever disappear entirely, I am certain that technology based learning has become the new face of the educational system. I have taken several courses throughout my years of study involving the use of Instructional Technology, but as fast as the technology is growing and instructional processes are changing, keeping up with the next new innovation will be a lasting challenge.
I agree that video games will bring a new and exciting classroom experience to engage the students in meaningful learning. I enjoyed your link to the article Video Games and the Future. I like that this article described how various people have different ways of thinking and that video games can create new learning environments to meet the needs of students.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is not a best technology but being open to the use of all available technology is the best approach. I also agree that the more I read on the subject of the benefits of video games in learning the more interesting it gets and my head is thinking of new ways to incorporate them into a FACS classroom. I think that we are going to see more research on this subject and as the research is reported the games we see will be designed to meet the needs of that research. Lastly I also agree that the the true cutting edge will prove to be game design based on research of how learning takes place but also the willingness of educators to be open to this type of technology in education.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that gaming is a great technology source that can be beneficial to learning, but not the only and best method. As a science teacher, I am familiar with many electronic devices that help students learn. However, many children play video games outside of school. If children are playing good games outside of the classroom, maybe they are learning skills that they can use inside of the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI liked the link that you used with your entry. It's funny to think that we've come so far from chalk and chalkboard to virtual whiteboards. Even in my time here at Fairmont State there has been a major increase in technology by just being fortunate enough to take these online classes. I would never have the time now to take a traditional face to face class. It is amazing how far everything has advanced.
ReplyDeleteLora, I like that your recgonized it's the principles of good game design that are good for learning and that we can create highly engaging and effective learning environments with or without the computer. Although, I has to say the multimodal affordances of digital media make it easier.
ReplyDeleteAmy, You make an excellent point that suggests educators can also build on the skills and knowledge (funds of knowledge) that students develop as they play games outside of school to bear on school learning.
I really appreciate the thoughtful discussions taking place so far!
Your statement about video games making education exciting, inspiring and an engaging experience goes hand-in-hand with the action research project that I plan to implement this year in the laboratory preschool classroom on campus. We're trying to find an iPad application for basic math functions such as counting, shape recognition, etc. The goal of the entire project is to see if the children are most likely to engage in mathematical learning if technology (my iPad) are incorporated.
ReplyDelete