Kat+H

Day 1 Morning: "Lions and tigers and bears"

1.) My feelings about video games in general are that it brings me back to the past. I gained a mild addiction to Ultima Online and Civilization. When working for the newspaper I got to deal with the owner of EA. I soon came to realize the impact of the gaming industry. Every day, i drove past the fine building of Electronic Arts and thought, if only I were a geek I could get a real job, make real money, go sailing and enjoy the beautiful west coast.

2.) I don't have any concrete feelings in terms of gaming as learning tools. The kids seem to love it and it keeps them passionate and focused. I do see the pros and cons of this. Technology is advancing and needs are changing; however, at times I do believe that kids need to be kids and play the old fashioned way. I would like to see medical research on the effects computers have in relation to age groups.

Mid Day: I am here because I need to learn more about technology and choices available to kids. I thought this would be a different and cool kind of workshop.

I am excited about learning how to use a laptop and creating a game.

I am concerned about several things. This has not been a day of smooth sailing. It's been a lot of tacking. I am concerned about the funds and the C.E.U. credits. I am also concerned on getting students to come in next year on their time.

Shut down/ power off:

Once we got to see the platform, it was heplful too see what one may be able to do with this program. I was surprised that this is very scientific ( not that I mind). I am still confused as to whether its coming from the education dept, science or computers.

DAY 2: I use technology in my classroom in various ways. I assign research essays in which students use the internet and then type their papers. I also have them conduct research to find products and prices for a design project they do. In addition, some of my students have created a powerpoint jeopardy game.

DAY 3: I would describe my teaching style as flexible. My style reflects on the subject and grade level I am teaching. I follow the curriculum standards and implement lessons that follow the national standards course of study. I have high expectations of my students, yet am flexible to each individuals' needs and different learning styles. I allow for expression and self reflection. Students can often work individually or in a group. Students are encouraged to exlpore options and take risks. Students are given clear instructions of expectations and a criteria for every assignment. Students also complete self assessments on their work. I would like to think of my style reflected by my past learning and am rather conceptual and try to get students to think and work outside the box.

Mid-Day: My students learn best by visual examples, teacher dems, videos, online research and the old fashioned trial and error. It often helps students to be allowed to make mistakes and then reflect. We dont mind getting dirty and consulting with one another to encourage further learning. I am still feeling overwhelming by the whole orcoess. I am a hands on learner and feel that the peoplewho have the use of a computer the entire time are at an advantage. I am doubtful as to whether or not we re still getting ours????????? i am tired - so its time to shut down this darn thing.

Day 4: Morning: a.) What you do well when connecting with my students? b.) Do I have any concerns about connecting with students?

a.) I have a good rapport with my students and some of them really trust to come and talk to me about things that they are concerned about or are bothering them. Students like my casual nature and openess. I treat students like a real person and not a child; they really appreciate this. What I do well is that I keep my word, am fair and don't judge. b.) I always have concerns because the individuals well being and safety is most important to me; therefore, I like to know what's on their mind and what they are feeling. Mid Day: What interests you in video games as a form of teaching? What interests me is that students create a different level of a bond with a teacher. i had one student who didnt appreciate all that much until we waited in line for ten hours waiting for nintendo wii's. students think that teachers arent as starchy. It is a nice means to educate students, providing everything is in proper working order.

Day End: Well, I'm feeling more behind than ever. Naturally, only a select chosen few ( coincidence is a very ambiguous term) got theirs. hmmmmm. oh well. maybe one day it will click. shut down/ power off:

Day 5: Morning: How can I connect with my students using this game? I can compare and contrast this to other games and find out what students would enjoy using this game. It opens up new means to communicating with students. Mid Day: Who supports and who benefits from your participation in this project? What other technology do you wish you could use or have support for?

a.) I think that we the teachers and students both benefit from this project. I suppose this is supported by NC State and SAS. b.) I wish I could use things like Youtube, and other other sites. There should be different perimeters for teachers than students. I support all kinds of technology- if only I knew how to use it better.

Final wiki: I may end up dropping in next week ......