EdTech

We can use games to make a new toxic mess if we use them merely as a shiny new delivery device for old, bad ideas about teachers, testing and learning. Just like books, games are a technology that can be used for good or ill. Textbooks are the least good educational tool ever made (VanLehn et al. 2007) because they seek to be a one-size-fits-all, standardized, single system, stand-alone delivery platform for facts fit mostly for testing. Games should, together with other tools and with good teaching, deliver customized and collaborative problem solving for a complex, high-risk and fast-changing global world.

Adaptive and game-based learning technologies aim to untangle the complexity that makes widespread personalized instruction and assessment seem unfathomable. Behind the shiny graphics and mechanics, many games and apps feature complex assessment algorithms that collect and analyze student data. Sometimes that data is simply there for the teacher to view (and also for the student in the best implementations). Other times, the software is collecting data about the learner and adapting accordingly.

What every parent needs to know about video games: a crash course Children of all ages are spending hours every day playing videos games, yet many parents struggle to understand why. Here's our essential guide

If you believe everything you hear about kids online, you might think pedophiles and cyberbullies are around every cyber-corner. Yes, there is bad stuff out there. But the truth is, there's a lot of good, and some experts are arguing against a "techno-panic mindset" that worries parents unnecessarily.

"I never limit my kids' screen time. I do, however, require reading time, outdoor play time, and physical toy time. The difference between limiting screen time and requiring non-screen time is subtle, but substantial. It emphasizes the positive benefit of other activities rather than scolding the screen."

"Video and online games can promote SEL skills and as such, should be integrated into classroom instruction."

For years, most people thought that video games were like candy: mostly bad, tempting to children, but okay in moderation. Now we understand that they can have more "nutritional" value than our parents ever imagined.

"Finding the right games for children can be a bit of a challenge - but our Game Finder makes it easy. We give games an age rating based on their difficulty, and a separate rating for their content. Simply drag the slider to set your child's age, choose a maximum level of content you'd be happy with, and click the button to find a list of games your kids will love! Check the "What does this mean" box for more!"

Coding, code,

via Dave Caleb