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Author Archives: knlistman
What is important?
In high school speech class, when required to give an informative speech, I described the accomplishments of the Anasazi. My teacher, whose pre-Columbian knowledge included a vague recollection of the Aztecs asked “What’s the point of your speech? Why are these Anasa…. … Continue reading
Breaking the game
A lot of people spend time more absorbed in games more their work. Aaron Dignan (owner of his own digital strategy company) proposes a solution for this decreasing productivity – “Make work more like play.” Restructure work so learning and producing … Continue reading
Not just any obsession 2
When I interview students about possible career choices, they often have no idea. So I ask about their hobbies and they tell me they like to play computer games. I have some insights into courses they need to study for … Continue reading
Not just any obsession 1
Recall the Gameboy print ad? Released back when most teenagers still read magazines – a skeleton clutching a game console with the warning “Don’t forget to eat.” Electronic game playing had achieved the status of an addiction, so compelling one … Continue reading
Posted in Education trends, Gaming in education
Tagged game addiction, gaming competition, StarCraft
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Farmville or Battlefield?
The of use video and computer games in education has sparked a bit of debate. On one side teachers see students doing something that they love to do, and hope games will promote this kind of engagement in learning. On … Continue reading
Game-driven learning
Playing games is fun. Make them available via internet on hand-held devices. Viola! endless access to fun. A recent invasion of such endless fun entered our schools in the form of an app called Fun Run. Fun Run didn’t have … Continue reading
Posted in Education trends, Gaming in education
Tagged electronic game, engaging instruction, fun run, Laney
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Why do I need to know this?
Students often ask “Why do I need to know this?” not because the subject is irrelevant, but because they struggle to learn. The answer to “How am I going to use this in real life?” depends on what their life will be … Continue reading
When does “engaging” interfere with learning?
Recently, I was surprised to see an article by Ruth Clark entitled “Why Games Don’t Teach.” According to research, a simulation game made a less effective teaching tool than a computerized tutorial.[1] One of the things that I noted as my … Continue reading
Posted in Education trends, Gaming in education
Tagged engaging learning, Games, Learning Theories, Oregon Trail, Ruth Clark
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How crazy are you?
Recently my daughter showed me an inverted Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, balanced on the tiny point of self-actualization. It was the “Artist’s hierarchy of needs” because creating was more important than eating or sleeping. Despite Abraham Maslow’s theory that fulfillment … Continue reading
The disadvantages of being creative
Creative students often display characteristics that teachers simply do not like. When I asked teachers to rank students’ creative acts, many had trouble. Some called the students contrary, lazy or deceitful, and failed to see the creativity involved. I’ve found … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Education trends
Tagged Creativity, Gifted education, intrinsic motivation, Student, Teacher
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