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Week 8: In our Data Action meeting we discussed intructional strategies involving simulation and games. This article explain some advantages and fears for educators implementing games into their lesson plans. Matthew Farber Social Studies Teacher, Ed Tech Leadership EdD Candidate, Author In the fall of 2014, the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop (a nonprofit founded by Sesame Street creator Joan Ganz Cooney) assessed the impact of the gaming in school settings.

Initially, I was very hesitant to buy into learning through online games. I know that children today spend so much time in front of screens, and I didn't want to contribute to this obsession (for some children it does border on that). I did see that BrainPop, a site which I use frequently, introduced GameUp and Spotify. I figured if BrainPop was okay with gaming for learning, then I had to give it a try. Well, my students will now beg for BrainPop and will do evey activity, quiz and graphic organizer associated with a lesson in order to get to sortify. What a great tool. I am now a firm believer.

I too see the benefits of using these online games within instruction. The games provide students with a means of engagement that we often struggle to provide students. With the growth of technology, students are becoming more in-tune with new technology and are using it more often at home. By connecting technology to instruction, we are able to meet them in the middle. There are so many tools available online that it's a shame not to use them!

(Week 7: Michelle and Tolu) http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=537ab470-df86-45e4-b0e1-6a514e8ff2f5%40pdc-v-sessmgr05 This journal article is accessible through the link given above by accessing the UMUC library. This article reviews the literature relevant to games and simulation pedagogy in higher education. Two researchers collaborate to apply a qualitative method, coding and synthesizing the results using multiple criteria. The main objective is to study the impact of games and simulations with regard to achieving specific learning objectives. The article indicates that simulations have a positive impact on learning goals. The researchers identify three learning outcomes when integrating games into the learning process: cognitive, behavioral, and affective. This article can further instructional practices by providing g rationale for integrating simulations in academic curricula. Among the many reasons for including simulations in the classroom: they facilitate the transfer of knowledge, stimulate greater student engagement, and strengthen social development of students (Vlachopoulos & Makri, 2017). The article helps to ensure that the simulation is thoughtfully and deliberately introduced to minimize confusion and demonstrate how the simulation will reinforce course goals or objectives. References Vlachopoulos, D., & Makri, A. (2017). The effect of games and simulations on higher education: a systematic literature review [Entire issue]. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-017-0062-1

Ferlazzo has a list of games ideas the are a marvel. His basic requirements is that the games require no money, little teacher prep work, and every students has to be involved. I was impressed. I think I know how our students can review for the unit test. Ferlazzo says these are easily modified for other content areas. I thought they be the perfect way to review vocabulary.

I like this one.

You could laminate the big index cards if you can't find small whiteboards.

This article reports the results of a study of grade 2 students 7 - 8 years old) using game technology versus paper/pencil games and the effects of increased use of game technology on assessments. The study found that the students using the game technology had increased performance and that increased use of technology also increased student performance. Shin, N. Sutherland, L. M., Norris, C. A., & Soloway, E. (2012). Effects of game technology on elementary student learning in mathematics. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(4), 540-560. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2011.01197.x

DimensionU creates engaging and interactive multi-player video games that focus on core skills in mathematics and literacy. Our content aligns with the Common Core, state standards and classroom instruction Learn More about DimensionU Comprised of four engaging, multi-player games with access to curriculum in both Math and Literacy, grades 3 - 9. Some available games: * Meltdown is the DimensionU game that offers students a second chance when answering difficult questions, and rewards creative strategies to achieve victory. * Velocity is DimensionU's high-speed obstacle course that ensures players answer questions correctly in order to continue progressing through the race.

This is a game that I introduced to my A & P class. Memorizing the bones can be a difficult task to students. This game helps them learn with colorful interaction. There are 4 different types of games so this can help engage learners who struggle with reading a text book to acquire their knowledge

You know those paper fortune tellers?  They were *the* rage when I was a kid.  I loved them!  And it is time to introduce my kiddos to the joy of Cootie catchers – while reviewing math lessons. We made two paper games, one to review fractions and another to review times tables. . Want to learn …

I first read about this in an excerpt from a book by Greg Toppo. http://hechingerreport.org/video-games-that-work-better-than-school/ This app teaches concepts related to solving algebraic equations in a fun, game environment. Learners are drawn into the game and don't realize they are learning algebra until level 12 when animal cards used in the game begin to be replaced by algebraic symbols. This app does cost $5 but I could see it used in learning stations and for enrichment activities. Appropriate for ages 5 and up.

The National Foundation for Educational Research (UK) conducted a review of research since 2006. Findings of the study were split on the impact of game-based learning, found positive impact on engagement in the short term, and that no studies looked at their impact on learning and achievement.

Grades K-2 Reading. Kindergarten-K, First-1st Grade and Second-2nd Grade Smartboard Interactive Reading. ELA Writing Games, Activities and Lessons. Teachers and students can use these Smartboard games, activities and lessons to learn about Reading ELA in Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade. This site offers an array of phonics activities to support struggling K-2 students working on initial letter sounds, vowel sounds, and reading skills.

Educational Learning Games for students in Preschool and Elementary school. Pre-school games include pre-reading, shapes, colors, numbers and mouse skills.

Founded by Dr. Gianfranco Conti, Phd., the Language Gym. The site includes a language training system with a verb trainer, workouts, and a game room. The verb trainer reviews tenses, pronouns, types of verbs, and conjugations. The workouts have vocabulary and grammar modules by proficiency level. The game room uses sports themed games to practice language skills. Languages included are Spanish, French, German, Italian and English.

Using this interactive game, students have to use the right amount of heat/light and water to help their plant grow. This is great to use if you don't have the time to actually plant something in the classroom!

This is neat! I always do a unit on plants during spring. This would be a great tool to use during the unit!

This site is useful for elementary and middle school teachers who want to enhance their math curriculum by using interactive learning games. The site is organized by grade level and content, so teachers can easily assign particular games for the students to play. Teachers can set score goals for students to ensure they master a topic.

This software is a game-based program that works on many areas in mathematics. the targeted grade levels are 1-5. I have used the software, and I found myself on it longer than expected. for the most part, I liked how the software is designed. I appreciate the gaming aspect of the software. It doesn't make you feel like you're just doing math work to do. I believe that the only thing that i wasn't to big on was that it doesn't really separate the different grade levels. They do breakdown the different math areas. Overall I would recommend this software.

This is an excellent guide for early childhood teachers on one strategy to differentiate math instruction. This article outlines how to develop high quality math games related to children's literature, as well as, examples of activities that relate to specific books. I found this particularly helpful in developing math engaging math activities for my students.

Hundreds of games and activities for a variety of subjects (including math, science, language arts) and all grade levels. Many activities include quizzes to check for comprehension.