Digitial Blog Post E

In Chapter 7, the first section that caught my attention was the section called 'Building, Inventing and Creating Software'. Kids can create software themselves - I know, I didn't know that either. Using manipulative tools like blocks, legos or balls, they can learn all the different type of structures or how many ways a ball can be thrown. One of the tools they can use is called Kidpix. I checked out the website myself and I loved what I saw. I could use this if I was in a third or maybe even second grade classroom. In the website, you can make your own little story and that itself, has endless ideas! Kids could also voice record themselves to tell their own story. Another tool that they could use would be Google Earth. Using Google Earth is a cool way to see the world from your computer screen, but it's also a good way to help teach Science or Social Studies. All the ways of learning are endless especially with technology! 

Credit to stevebp on Pixabay

The following section I read was 'Computer Games as Learning Resources'. All games don't have to be violence and use explict language. Games can be used to help kids learn and now a days, it is. In our classroom, computers is a "center" and it's one of the students favorites. They get to enjoy a fun way of learning their ABC's or numbers. Every game has a concept and its to let kids have fun, but also, learn at the same time. 

The last section was 'Strategies for Using Games with Your Students'. For example, we have iPads on a 1 to 1 basis in my classroom for the students to use. But, all the apps are downloaded and have been tested and used by adults to make sure they are kid friendly. So I wouldn't let a student, go grab and iPad and let them download games themselves. We have to closely monitor the game and what they're doing, and also, explain to them how it works and explore it with them. I've done this when the iPads were brought to my class and it worked perfect! Students know where not to go and if it's locked, they know they can't get into it. It's a matter of teaching your kids to make sure they understand what will happen in the game and what they will learn and most importantly, how it can be fun!

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Resources

• Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.