Using Computer Games in the Elementary Classroom

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Using Computer Games in the Elementary Classroom

• Jennifer Reither

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Purpose of Discussion

• To examine using games in the classroom
• To look at the positive aspects
• To look at the negative aspects

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Topics of Discussion

• Using games with ESL students to enhance lessons
  or to fill time?
• How to choose games
• Negative aspects are kids learning anything or
  is this a waste of time?
• Positive aspects what are kids learning by using
  games?
• Tips for teachers
• Things to think about

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Using Games To Learn Language

• Language learning is hard work games encourage
  and sustain interest
• Games give students a break while allowing for
  practice
• Games motivate, encourage and provide meaningful
  context for learning.(http//www.teflgames.com/why
  .html)

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How to Choose Games

• Games must be more than fun
• Games should keep all students involved and
  interested
• Games should focus on the use of language
• Games should give students a chance to practice
  and review material (http//www.teflgames.com/why.
  html)

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Negative Aspects

• Is using games practical for ESL students? Do
  they learn anything if they still need the
  hands-on? (http//www.theatlantic.com/issues/97jul
  /computer.htm)
• Games arent always on the right level of every
  student, nor do they challenge every student
• Computers are designed for single users
  (http//www.becta.org.uk/technology/software/curri
  culum/computergames/aspects.html)

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Positive Aspects

• Students learn to multi-task
• Computers motivate encouraging students to
  persist
• Students collaborate and develop self-confidence
  through teamwork.
• Thinking skills, creativity and problem solving
  develop
• A play environment is created
  (http//www.becta.org.uk/technology/software/curri
  culum/computergames/aspects.html)

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Tips for Teachers

• To be effective, teachers role is critical need
  to know the game
• Working with some portions of the game might be
  more beneficial than others
• Students need to receive immediate
  feedback(http//www.becta.org.uk/technology/softwa
  re/curriculum/computergames/report.htmltwo)
  (http//www.becta.org.uk/technology/software/curri
  culum/computergames/aspects.html)

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Things to Think About

• Games for more than one player
• Ability to save and maintain permanent records of
  games for future use
• Reasons for playing games
• Motivating the hard to motivate
• Gender factors in games (http//www.becta.org.uk/t
  echnology/software/curriculum/computergames/aspect
  s.html)

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Websites Referenced

• http//www.teflgames.com/why.html
• http//www.theatlantic.com/issues/97jul/computer.h
  tm
• http//www.becta.org.uk/technology/software/curric
  ulum/computergames/aspects.html
• http//www.becta.org.uk/technology/software/curric
  ulum/computergames/report.htmltwo
• http//www.becta.org.uk/technology/software/curric
  ulum/computergames/aspects.html