How has this changed what you are thinking for your science and math classes for next year?
This week's experience really has not changed what I am thinking for my science classes next year. I do not feel the gaming experience will greatly impact my science teaching. I plan to use the game with my classes, but I feel this will only be a small segment of my instructional plan.
Some skills or practices from this week that will impact my teaching have little to do with the gaming technology. One crucial aspect is the collaboration between students and teachers. During this week's brainstorming (paper and pencil, "primitive technology"), I learned the importance of valuing student input and providing ownership of learning. This is something that I will try to incorporate more in my classroom, particularly with respect to group activities.
The importance of having a "big picture" and a means of building that "big picture" became very apparent this week. This week's experience was not well mapped out in terms of enabling all - students and teachers - to construct the "big picture". Agendas were set, but not followed; expectations were not clearly communicated up front; underlying alternate agendas detracted from the week's focus. Regardless of the activity - technology oriented or not - it is essential for all participants to feel they can achieve a level of success. Success will be individually determined, but the strategies employed need to be tailored to allow for that individualized achievement.
On more reflection, this week has changed my thinking about my science classes for next year: to be more judicious in my use of technology. Using technology simply for the sake of technology is meaningless; I will strive to provide meaningful experiences where students actually learn something useful, regardless of the delivery mode. Sometimes, that means to simplify, rather than overwhelm with technological bells and whistles. Effective use of meaningful technology is a delicate balancing act.
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