Computer Games in the classroom

I just watched a video that was featured as part of the K12 online conference 2009, given by Ollie Bray, titled:  "Using computer games as a context for learning and social interaction". Here's the link:  http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=531

This video presented some very interesting ideas on how to incorporate video and computer games into classroom learning in any grade level. Ollie (the man giving the presentation) gave examples of several activities his organization had come up with and had seen used in schools in the UK.  Ollie focused on the popular video game Guitar Hero and showed the audience how the game can be used to teach art, music, teamwork, creativity, and social skills. "Thinking outside the Xbox", the program in Scotland Ollie and his peers created, has been showing schools how to use something children do after school for hours, in the classroom to encourage learning for the past three years. This is something I would definitely consider working into my lesson plans someday in the future if I decide to be a teacher.

Digital Nation

Digital Nation... This documentary produced by a couple of digital immigrants featuring interviews with only other digital immigrants. I believe that multitasking is essential to schools today and is also expected. If multitasking wasn't expected in schools today, you'd only take one class per term. This film exposes the vast lack of research to support this video's claims about our generation. It's a film about the classic battle between the old and the new, the past vs. the future. The rest of the world is vastly ahead of our nation in technology of all kinds, and we think we have a problem now... let's see how these "experts" react when we catch up to where Japan or China are currently in the technology world.

Link to the Video

About Me...

I'm a college graduate from business school, and currently a grad student. I love traveling and long walks on the beach. (just kidding about the second thing) This is my first ever blog and so far i like it. I am a really cool guy once you get to know me and I can be really funny if I try to be. Check me out!