Alicia+H

Day one morning What are your feelings about video games in general? I think that video games can be neat, I just limit the time my children can play. I guess one of my concerns is the content and age appropriateness of the games. So many games today are so violent. I grew up with Atari and Frogger. Pac-man was also a favorite. Today they have titles like Mortal Kombat, and Death Com....etc. I feel like there is a generation that has lost the imagination factor due to the fact that they spend any spare time in front of the TV or video games. Kids would rather get immediate feedback from a video game rather than waiting for the end of a book. I think this sedintary activity also contributes to childhood obesity.

What are your feelings about video games as learning tools? This changes my perspective on video games,,,,,if it works. I think using it as an educational tool may close the gap between video game worlds, and the classroom. This will bring the two worlds together, and if it helps the students feel we are trying to meet them on their level it will be a win, win situation.

Lunch Time/Day one

What brings you here/Why are you here? Honestly, the laptop/money. I always look for ways to hook my students. If I am interested, so are they. I think this possibility may build a bridge between readers/non-readers.

What are you excited about?

All that I will learn computer wise in this study. I think it will spark reluctant learners and bring them on board for learning, even if they do not realize it. What are you concerned about?

I am not the most knowlegeable as far as computers go....can I hang? I also wonder when the 4 workshops will be during the school year....between staff development and faculty meetings it can get pretty hectic.

Shutdown/power off

Wow!!! This is neat stuff, but it is a bit overwhelming.....I guess I am most stressed about focusing on math/science. I do read several novels throughout the year and have read some that are connected to science, I am wondering, is that the slant that I take? I guess playing with it will help with questions/concerns that come up. It is helpful to have so many helpers present during the workshop.

Day 2 morning

How do you use technology in your classroom?

I so mini research units throughout the year. We also use the computer labs to prepare for the computer competency test. I do have a data projector that I have been learning to use. I use it to project from my laptop to view internet sites.....project things I have word processed, view dvds and videos, United Streaming downloads and desk top publishing of papers written in class. We constantly look up questions we have on ask.com and make our lessons inquiry based.

Day 2 Lunch

How does the technology you currently use enhance your student's learning, and your teaching? How do you know?

I know this because it becomes a life-long tool that can be applied to real life situations. They need computer/desktop publishing skills in the college/highschool/workforce settings. The research component it applicable in all life stages. I know this because I have seen the success of former students.

Shut down/power off

Well, today seemed to go better.....I feel a little better about adding and manipulating objects, I fear that most of this will be happening on our own and that terrifies me...I know we can contact you for help, but I usually have to try something to see how I succeed.

Morning Day 3

Describe your teaching.

I am a Language Arts teacher. I am passionate about reading. I center most of my instruction around novels. It is so difficult to get today's students hooked on reading. I search out high-interest novels to help me hook them. I do alot of open ended questions and writing prompts based on the novel content. As for grammar, I have used Daily Oral Language as a morning starter....know, due to the lack of mastery in grammar and mechanics, we have gone to a textbook. This is more studying a grammar type and skill/drill/review. I typically flow through my curriculum by genre. I do enjoy integrating as much as possible with my team mates. We have been on a team of 4 teachers. This was my first year having an inclusion class. I really enjoyed these students, more so than my AIG. There just seems to be more potential for growth. I love my AIG, but they are very high maintenance. I have found that the middle of the row student is my love, I love creating the spark they need to move up the grade scale. I feel like this tool will be huge in making this happen.

Lunch day 3

Describe how your students learn best.

By doing!!!! I can teach about it all day long, but until they do, they don't retain. I guess I am the same way. Some of the slower learners learn best by seeing others model what they are suppose to be learning. I also try to touch on different learning styles.

shutdown/power off

I am very frustrated with the bug thing!!! We can not seem to get our sound to cooperate. I am sure a fresh day will make things look better. I enjoyed learning how to acitvate and download sound, now I just need to see it happen!@!!!!!

Morning 4

What do you do well when connecting with your students?

Listen!!! So few students have anyone to listen to them. Their problems are very real and important to them. If they have no one to validate their feeling/concerns, they are headed for trouble. Once I have connected with them on a personal level, I have them in my grasp. They want to please and learn to make me happy!

Do you have any concerns about connecting with your students?

Yes!! Once I've made that connection, I get toooo emotionally involved. Their heartache becomes my heartache.

Day 4 Lunch

What interests you in video games as a form of teaching?

I feel like there are certain students out there that need this viusal stimulation to connect on any level. If this helps to hook them into learning I am all for it. Students are already successful video game junkies....so if they know they can succeed at that, then why not be successful learners as well. Self-esteem highway!!!

Shut down/poweroff

Well, I feel more frustrated this afternoon....It seemed like I could not get sounds to work as well today as I did yesterday. Tomorrow is the final day and I am a little worried. I do realize we are processing alot of information in a very short time, but alot of it is trial and error, with error being the most realistic outcome.

Morning 5

How do you expect this game to help you connect to your students?

Well.....My nephew is almost 10 and when I told him what I was doing, he was dying to try it out. I feel like it will really excite the game junkies into a world they do not expect. Instead of just playing a game, they will be learning at the same time. I also think they will be impressed that we are trying to work our way into "their" worlds. I am a little concerned about all the crashing and connection glitches, but I guess that is just a technology thing.

Day 5 Lunch

Who supports and who benefits from your participation in this program?

I hope you mean in terms of your people for support, I feel very supported from here, I worry about when I am on my own with my regular obligations that need attention as well. I think everyone connected to me benefits from my participation in this program. It helps with technology, gaming, integration, and expanding my comfort zone. The school system benefits greatly from our better knowledge and utilization of this learning tool.

What other technology do you wish you could use or have support for?

A smart board. Can't seem to find the money for one in the classroom, yet all teachers have one in the school "across the tracks"....I have seen one used 2-3 times, so I would need instruction/training on maximizing potential for learning with it.

Shutdown/poweroff

I am very glad that I decided to try this project. It is definately out of my comfort box, but it has fabulous opportunity for growth. I can see this as being a great tool to hook students that are otherwise reluctant learners at best. I am most nervous about doing this on my own time, will I remember everything? I plan to teach what I've learned to my husband so that I'll have him to bounce ideas off of too.