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Category Archives: Education trends
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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Videomania III
What about the claims that I’ve heard? Instruction through video is supposed to be more engaging, save more time and promotes better learning that using traditional methods, such as lecturing or reading assignments. More engaging? Engagement level really depends on both quality and content of video. … Continue reading
Posted in Education trends, Technology in education
Tagged Education, High school, Learning, Student, Teacher, Textbook, Video
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Videomania II
Videos are often promoted as the best way to educate a population marked by decreasing literacy. I often hear “teenagers watch tons of videos on YouTube,” as a reason to depend on videos in the classroom. A more sophisticated explanation … Continue reading
Posted in Education trends, Technology in education
Tagged E-learning, Education, iPhone, Student, technology, Video, YouTube
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