Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mathematics Gaming


Technology has revolutionized the world. It was only a matter of time before it revolutionized the classroom. Today it is common to find a computer in most classrooms , however it is important to ask the question: “are educators making the most of this technology to enhance the learning experience and engage students further?”

If one thing is known to be true, it is that most students at one time or another enjoy playing video games. Students have a competitive nature and welcome the opportunity to “play” in class. This is why it is imperative that teachers become familiar with all the resources that are widely available. Mathematics in particular is an area where students need effective engagement most and the tech-gaming resources available are overwhelming. The lessons that can be taught and reinforced through online math games go above and beyond the traditional classroom experience and reach students on a deeper level. Students of the 21st century are eager for the opportunity to use technology in the classroom, so why not let them do it in an educationally meaningful and responsible way. Websites such as www.mathplayground.com and www.arcademicskillbuilders.com are just two examples that can help students excel in mathematics while they enjoy a game of “ Bridge Builders” or “Math at the Mall”.




4 comments:

  1. I agree I dont know how much technology is really being used in class especially with math because teachers find it much harder to produce something creative with math but really math as so many options its just looking outside the box. The games are a great idea for students to do on spare time or as an extra, math is everywhere :)

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  2. I think a big pothole in the road to using technology in the classroom is simply access. Having seen the difficulty of scheduling a computer lab between many many classes that need limited resources, it's easy to see how some potentially useful technology based tools take the back seat to a photocopied worksheet or haphazardly put together manipulative.
    That being said, I think it's important for teachers to educate themselves on available resources because in the long run it could give them a break from their own daily grind of trying to make a typically boring subject just a bit more interesting.

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  3. I agree that there is not much use of technology within the classroom. Teachers need to embrace technology and not be afraid to use it. We also have to consider the availability and cost of technology might play a factor in schools today. Having said that, we as educators need to make it our priority to incorporate technology as often as possible. Keeping students engaged and motivated will lead to academic success. Competition is good. Therefore, using it to enhance mathematical skills through tech-gaming allows for more practice and in turn builds one's confidence level. A win win situation.

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  4. I agree. I remember when I was in school, thinking that math was the most boring subject because there wasn't much that you could DO with it. Watching a video or something similar wasn't really an option like it was in other classes. It wasn't until I got older that I realized how much more could have been done than just copying notes and examples then doing homework.

    I like the idea of playing math games in class because the students are learning without really realizing that they're learning, and as Antonetta said, the competition that the students would be feeding off of is a good thing for most students involved.

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