Gaming in Literacy...On our own!

1. Gamestar Mechanic 

While looking through the website, reading through the blog, and reviewing the teacher's start up guide I found a handful of examples for incorporating Gamestar Mechanic into the classroom. I think the strongest relationship that I can see using Gamestar Mechanic in ELA instruction and learning is to teach and practice the important skills of brain storming, drafting, and peer editing. In order to create a successful game design, students must first plan what they want their story to be about, who the characters will be, and what the plot will be. Then they will go about mapping out their design and hit road blocks where they will have to edit their work multiple times. They can then be encouraged to participate in peer review where other gamers (students) can try out the games and give feedback about possible 'glitches' and suggestions for improvement. Gamers can continue this cycle until they have created a game design that they are proud of and even take the opportunity to compare and contrast how their final product differs from their original plan. This can easily be connected to the writing process and motivate students to complete each of the steps, rather then simply handing in their first draft.

• system-based thinking

• creative problem solving

• art and aesthetics

• writing and storytelling

• STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)

Screen shot of how far I've gotten in the game...a bit addictive!

2. Gaming in Education Philosophy
As an educator who transitioned into a technology specialists position this year, I feel like I can see the benefits of gaming in education from both perspectives. When I was in the classroom I used academic games as warm ups to math and literacy periods, as introductions to new topics, or as review material, and I even assigned some for homework to give students a break during vacations. I found that these academic games helped students work on foundational skills that were necessary to build on as we moved through the curriculum and I especially loved seeing the students becoming more self-confident and noticing their own progress and growth.

As a technology specialist I've focused on using games to support classroom instruction by collaborating with teachers and finding topic and age appropriate resources. I also focus on using gaming in the classroom to promote social interaction and discussions. Working with students on the autism spectrum, promoting social interactions are always a goal we work towards as a school.


3. Game Scenario/Script

click -->   Earth's Essentials   <-- click

4. Edmodo and ELA: potential partnership 

Edmodo is a great resource that I was introduced to last year and was able to implement into my literacy class briefly at the end of the school year. I liked how I was able to provide all of the resources students needed for an assignment somewhere they could easily locate it and refer to. I used it to assign an essay based on a book we were studying. I provided a brainstorming worksheet that they could download and fill in right on the computer and then attach for a grade along with their final essay. It is also a great motivational tool because there is a social interaction aspect that looks just like the "news feed" wall on Facebook where students can post things related to school or not to one another. It also has a built in reward system where the teacher can assign badges for students' in different categories. I haven't been able to use my account since starting as the technology specialist this year but will be in a few weeks for a research study in my other course.