Donna+E


 * Day 1 Morning:**

What are your feelings about video games in general? I feel that video games are used too much in place of outdoor activity; however they are entertaining to kids of all ages. I am not video game savvy, therefore, I am a bit fearful of using video games even for entertainment. My 7 year-old son is much better than I will ever be at video games. I do feel like video games are the up and coming thing and many kids learn hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills from many games. I am interested in learning more about video gaming and motivating my students with this tool.

What are your feelings about video games as learning tools? I feel that students would be very excited about video gaming. I believe that used the right way, students can have fun without even realizing all that they are learning. I am very excited about implementing gaming technology for motivation purposes, however, being that I am not a big video gamer myself, I worry if my game will spark interest among the children I teach.


 * Day 1 Mid-Day**

What brings you here/ why are you here? I am here to build a grammar game for my 6th grade students. I am here to find a new and innovative ways to challenge and motivate my students with skills that they need to know to become successful citizens. (The money and the laptop helped motivate me also!!)

What are you excited about? I am excited about being able to teach a grammar concept and have support material (in the form of a game) which students will actually enjoy instead of complain about. I am excited about being able to work at my own pace and from the location of my choice. I am excited to try a NEW thing in my classroom.

What are you concerned about? I am concerned that I am not computer savvy enough to do this project. I hope it will not be as difficult as I think it will be.


 * Day 1 Shutdown/Power Off**

Once the expectations were clearer, I began to see how to develop my story. I was worried and confused during the presentation of the game creation, but once the guidelines were established, I found it easier to find a focus. I hope to get a better idea of the process of creating the game tomorrow, when we can actually get into the game and get going.


 * Day 2 AM**

How do you currently use technology in your classroom? I use technology by using United Streaming videos to support instructional materials and students use the Accelerated Reading Program/STAR Reading Program which is computer based. Students also use the computer labs for research projects, word processing practice, creation of Powerpoint book reports, and Scavenger Hunts that were created by myself and other Lee County Schools teachers. For my students, I use many teacher-based Internet program such as EdHelpler, ABC Teach, Enchanted Learning, etc. to supplement instructional materials covered in the classroom. For EOG review, students went to the computer lab and used a program called Orchard twice a week for two months prior to EOG Testing. Students used the digital camera and learned to insert pictures into their PP Presentations.


 * Day 2 Mid-Day**

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

The technology that I currently use enhances my students learning by giving them visuals to an auditory story, teaches them the skills needed to pass the Computer Skills Test given in 8th grade, and gives them supplementary materials to many different topics covered in class. Technology allows me to differenciate based on individual learning styles, as well as, to enhance their abilities to operate a computer and use it in day to day life. I know this based on assessment and observations, as well as, rubrics set to assess student learning on projects and computer tasks.


 * Day 2 Shutdown/Poweroff**

Today was a bit frustrating. First the orange sticker computers did not run the program, than we used the wrong virtuoso program for the day and did not discover this until 3:00. The process seemed a little pointless today, but I did learn a lot about how to run the program.


 * Day 3: AM**

Describe your teaching.

I utilize many different methods of teaching. I use small and large groups, pairs, technology instruction, cooperative learning, projects, technology projects, book reports, accelerated reading, STAR reading, etc. I usually spend 20-25 minutes providing a mini-lesson, then I provide an opportunity for practice with my guidance. Finally, the remainder of the period is used for independent practice, with some sort of closure for a survey of who "mastered" the instructional goals. I try to hold student-teacher conferences at least every 2 weeks to assess writing and reading goals and to get a feel for what a students strengths and weakness are on a given project or assignment. I feel fairly successful with this method of instruction and, for now, it works for me.


 * Day 3: Mid-Day**

Describe how your students learn best.

My students learn best by a variety of instructional strategies. I believe a good combination of teaching, experimenting, and doing hands-on application is the best way that my students learn. I believe by varying the type of instruction and gearing instruction with choices of different learning styles also helps my students learn.


 * Day 3: Shutdown/Power Off**

Today was fun. I liked adding sound though again it is frustrating when we do not have but one computer between 3 people to share. I am looking forward to getting my own computer so I can begin creating my game.


 * Day 4: AM**

What do you do well when connecting with your students?

I think I use my sense of humor and fairness to connect to my students. They seem to like language arts more when I use my own personal experiences to bond with them. They get to see me as a person and not just their teacher, as well as, they get to know more about me and are willing to share things about themselves with me.

Do you have any concerns about connection with your students? No, I believe this is one of my strengths in the teaching profession.


 * Day 4: Mid-Day**

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

The only thing that interests me about video games and teaching is that students will be more motivated to attain tasks when playing a game, especially in video format. I am not very good at gaming, so I would have to say student motivation is my driving force.

Today was the most productive day yet. We received a computer that would run the program and I was able to start building my game. I was very excited to be able to apply a lot of the things we have been experimenting with in class. Great Day!
 * Day 4: Shutdown/Powerdown**

How do you see this game as a tool for connection with your students?
 * Day 5: AM**

I think my students will think this is cool, therefore making me a cool and hip teacher. I do strive for this with my students. I think that they will see that I am trying to find new and innovative ways to teach skills that they need learn, but that I'm also trying to make it fun for them.


 * Day 5: Mid-Day**

Who supports and benefits from your participation in this workshop? My students and colleagues benefit from my particpation in this workshop. My principal supports me with attending this workshop. I believe I will receive additional support from colleagues that may be interested in developing a similar product.