Jan 22 problem solving with online games Mikey McKillip
Using online interactive games can help students to develop collaboration and problem solving skills.
As I started to think about ideas for using Technology in After School Activities, I began to ask my students what they like to do in their free time. Many of my upper elementary students shared with me that they like to socialize, chat with friends and play online games via social networks like Club Penguin, Runescape and even Facebook. Some students said they just like to talk to friends using their mobile phones or on the computer with email, instant messaging and Skype.
So it seemed clear to me that students are already collaborating and problem solving, looking for new and different ways to stay connect with each other and stay entertained. I decided to capitalize on this, by creating an ASA that was more a testing ground to see what creative online activities students might enjoy using at school and at home. I decided to try out Google Sites and with the help of a few students, we created our After School Activities page.
During the weeks that followed, students gave me constant feedback on the links that we added to our ASA page. Some students enjoyed some of the more relaxing features llike feeding the fish or reading comics. Others liked the challenge of creating and manipulating their own games then asking others to play and give feedback on how to make their game better. Still others preferred to dig right in and play game after game, not wasting a single moment. Together we explored a social network site TweeGee. We discussed getting permission from parents and personal safety with communicating and giving out personal information online. We also discussed the dangers of downloading software with viruses, spyware, etc.
One game that really stood out for our group was Gravity Master. In this game, students have to create/draw and use their own tools with the help of gravity to manipulate objects in order to reach designated goals.
After the ASA had finished, students kept asking for opportunities to return to our ASA page and continue playing. I definitely wanted to encourage the excitement and have my ASA students share their knowledge with other students. I decided to create a simple task for students to engage their collaboration and high level thinking skills. Students teamed up with a partner to play Gravity Master. Students were given basic instructions on how to play the game. They were then to help each other to solve each stage independently but help each other to finish each level. While playing students were asked to answer the following:
1. Describe a problem that you encountered while playing.
2. How did you solve this problem. Explain.
Students have enjoyed playing this game. I have even had parents email me saying that they too are enjoying this game. It is a lot of fun. Enjoy.
Comments: 1
StoutTisha33
Nov 28
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