More on Videogames and Education

Much has been written and discussed concerning the role, and potential, of video games in student learning. A recent article in Converge reports on the University of Wisconsin's conference on games and learning. In the piece, the author draws a linkage between the attributes of a well designed video game that is created for educational purposes, with those of a good teacher. He writes "They (teachers) know how to engage and motivate students to pay attention, and to keep focused for long and productive periods on specific learning activities". He goes on to suggest "Like good teachers, the video games generate social excitement and energy that spill into planned activities."

Do you agree with the author and what are your thoughts concerning the trend to explore this nascent phenomena of harnessing the power of videogaming for the purposes of academic pursuits?

Teens Are Truly The Digital Natives

This recent report found that the number of teenagers using the Internet has grown 24 percent in the past four years and 87 percent of those between the ages of 12 and 17 are online. Compared to four years ago, teens' use of the Internet has intensified and broadened as they log on more often and do more things when they are online. Compared to four years ago, teens' use of the Internet has intensified and broadened as they log on more often and do more things when they are online.

Training on How To Use Technology Still #1 Need

After years of emphasizing the need to support the use of technology in the classroom, a recent study shows that it is still underutlized due to insufficient professional development. This article in the Courier Journal described how most of the $30 million spent on computer technology in Jefferson County public school classrooms in the past decade is not helping students learn. The leading cause behind this conclusion is no surprise in that investments in hardware and software are made with inadequate support for the teacher to find time to learn how to use these tools effectively.

One of the keys to solving this dilemma is to embed training in the experience of using the technology. Simply put: learn by doing. Couple this with the natural interest that kids have in using technology by channeling their interest towards learning objectives.

What do you think?