Lately, video games are everywhere. When I was 10 or 11, I was not allowed to have a hand held video game (the original Gameboy at the time) because my parents thought I might lose it. Now, at the elementary school where I work, there is an explicit rule in the agenda that hand held video game consoles are forbidden from school grounds. The school’s explanation, given by the principle, is that it these devices promote taxing, bullying and theft. The feeling amongst older teachers is that video games are also the demise of the younger generations and they do not want to have such a destructive force in their classes.
I feel that this is a generalized and outdated sentiment in terms of modern video games. Although many of them promote senseless violence, there are some that work on fitness, mental stimulation and hand-eye/foot-eye coordination. Some games, like Brain Age, have its players practice mental math, memory games, etc. Others like Dance Dance Revolution have the players step on a certain square in time with the beat shown on screen. Believe me; this is harder than it looks!!
Nintendo’s WiiFit is an excellent example of a video game made to promote fitness. Although some flaws still exist (a judgemental virtual trainer that calls you obese), WiiFit is a revolutionary game that lets the typical gamer exercise while still playing.
It is true that not all video games are beneficial; however they are not all detrimental as well. If money allows it, it may be a fun concept to reward the class with a “game day” where students can play games like Mario Party or Rayman Ravid Rabbids (both which ask its players to do specific tasks or movements in order to win).
Monday, March 23, 2009
TV - If the kids are watching it anyways...
I love television. I love the TV shows, I love the time I spend relaxed in front of it, I love that pleasure is a click or a remote away. Although video games are slowly replacing regular TV, I think that trying to incorporate it into the classroom might be a good thing. When I was younger, I used to watch a lot of TV. It wasn’t only cartoons and The Simpsons but educational shows. I know what you’re thinking, what is an educational show and are they really any good for kids?
Yes. Yes they are. I learned quite a bit from certain TV shows that I probably wouldn’t have paid attention to in the classroom. Shows like Bill Nye the Science Guy, or The Magic School Bus piqued my interest in science, Sesame Street and Mr Dressup taught me how to use my imagination, Fred Penner was my first foray into Canadian music. Now, these are all shows geared towards children and, with the exception of Bill Nye, the age range in quite young. This doesn’t mean, however, that there are no shows for older children who are interested in something other than sex and violence. Take Mythbusters for example: this is an excellent jumping off point for a high school science teacher.
I hope that more shows come out that both interest kids and teach them something, but that it not always the case. Maybe I should try to find something to teach in popular TV shows?
Yes. Yes they are. I learned quite a bit from certain TV shows that I probably wouldn’t have paid attention to in the classroom. Shows like Bill Nye the Science Guy, or The Magic School Bus piqued my interest in science, Sesame Street and Mr Dressup taught me how to use my imagination, Fred Penner was my first foray into Canadian music. Now, these are all shows geared towards children and, with the exception of Bill Nye, the age range in quite young. This doesn’t mean, however, that there are no shows for older children who are interested in something other than sex and violence. Take Mythbusters for example: this is an excellent jumping off point for a high school science teacher.
I hope that more shows come out that both interest kids and teach them something, but that it not always the case. Maybe I should try to find something to teach in popular TV shows?
Facebook - Friend or Foe to the Teaching Community?
Most teachers in university warn students who bring their laptop to class to stay off Facebook during the lecture. In every school within the EMSB (English Montreal School Board), Facebook is one of many blocked sites. As a future teacher, I would love to be able to incorporate Facebook (or whatever they will have when I graduate) in my classroom. It is true that Facebook has a bad reputation within the teaching community, with cyber bullying and the harassment of teachers, I think that with proper instruction, students will be able to use Facebook to their advantage. I would like to teach my class to make Facebook groups with the intention of sharing their ideas for a particular topic. The students could also communicate through the chat feature with me, their teacher, if they have any questions. Through the Facebook Event application, the students can easily organize study groups. They can even share their class notes or interpretations of the topic in the Notes application.
By showing them that Facebook can be used for class purposes, I would also be showing them what could go wrong, which would include how to deal with cyber bullying. Sadly, this last subject is growing more and more and is quickly becoming the bullying method of choice in elementary and high schools. By raising awareness and showing different uses for Facebook and other social networking sites, I would hope to diminish cyber bullying events within my classroom.
By showing them that Facebook can be used for class purposes, I would also be showing them what could go wrong, which would include how to deal with cyber bullying. Sadly, this last subject is growing more and more and is quickly becoming the bullying method of choice in elementary and high schools. By raising awareness and showing different uses for Facebook and other social networking sites, I would hope to diminish cyber bullying events within my classroom.
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