Current Language Games

Current Language Games

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Language games already exist, and I decided that I need to know what language games already exist for children to get an idea for what a language game I create would look like.

1. Word Puzzles. These can be fill-in-the-blank, or other formats. These games require certain words to be found to complete objectives.
2. Reading comprehension. These games require players to look at a page of text and identify what certain words mean using context clues or prior knowledge.
3. Word/Letter sounds. These games use audio to help players understand how words and letters sound when spoken.
4. Synonym/Antonym. These games require players to find which words are opposites of each other or similar to each other.
5. Crossword Puzzles. These games require players to find a word to fit in a certain space using definition and word length as the only clues. As more words are discovered, words that cross other words also give hints to what another word may be. These can be as simple or as advanced as the gamemaker wishes.

These are just a few examples of the hundreds of language games that exists, but these are extremely common types.

Education and Technology Over Time

Education and Technology Over Time

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Education and Technology Throughout The Ages
As time goes on more young people are being educated; likewise, the technologies that are available are affecting their education process. Most students have a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It is very important to adapt the learning process to fit these advancements. By creating and showing students the educational capabilities of the technology they already own, educators will be able to educate students better. Basically what I'm trying to say is as the technology available to the students advances the education they receive needs to reflect that. As a group we want to modify the learning process using technology, as well as games.

Educational Video Games for the iPad

Educational Video Games for the iPad

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          As technology develops, so do the uses that go along with it. This technology was integrated into educational systems to enhance learning. Now, many students are receiving iPads for educational use. However, one does not necessarily need the iPad to be distributed at school to use it for educational purposes. Many apps and games have been released for the iPad, and many of these are education-based.

          One type of education-based game is direct. This is the kind of game that teaches english, math, science, or some other topic through a straightforward, graphic lesson. I saw my 6-year-old cousin playing some of these on her iPad. It was basically just a group of interactive activities that taught various science subjects such as the water cycle, float v. sink, and plants. However, I don't feel she was actually learning anything since she just memorized how to get through all the activities without even listening to the directions. And she thought it was boring because of this. I would recommend having an adult play with the child, so that the kid might actually learn something. There is a large number of games of this sort to download, and are especially helpful for young kids.

          The other type of education-based game is a lot more popular with a larger audience. These would be puzzle games such as Unblock Me, Flow, and Four Pics One Word. They help improve critical thinking skills while still providing a challenging form of entertainment. However, because they do not teach a specific topic and are thus viewed as entertainment-only, these games are not as suitable to integrate into education systems as the first type.

          Many iPad games (or apps) are a good supplement to school education. Others may also improve a person's puzzle-solving skills. Also, they are not a hindrance to society in any way. This makes video games a great platform for learning.

Types Of Educational Games

Types Of Educational Games

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Educational games come in many different formats. Board games, electronic games, card games and so many more can be adapted to fit an educational format. Some of the most popular games with students are the simplest to create and run. From my experience it is best to introduce competition between classmates and offer a small prize. Games like flyswatter, jeopardy, and football are often very popular. Most of the time, the best games are the simplest to create and play. It will probably be hard to create a new game but there are a lot of ideas moving through our heads. In the coming weeks we will be introducing our first concept. We will probably be starting with an activity that doesn't require too much equipment or time.

Popular Educational Games

Popular Educational Games

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There are a number of games designed to teach kids while entertaining them. We would like to emulate these games when creating our own activities.

Funbrain
This website is really popular with elementary students. It takes normal games that kids are used to, like tic tac toe, and incorporates a learning element into them. The arcade is especially popular because students like to compete to see who can get to the finish first.

Professor Layton and the Last Specter

Games like this challenge your brain without you realizing it. The puzzles can be very challenging even for adults. Without directly incorporating any of the core subjects studied in school this game provides a good educational challenge for people of all ages. 

Techniques for teaching students: Part 1

Techniques for teaching students: Part 1

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Creative Techniques for Teaching
This article by the Iowa State University center for excellence in learning shows several examples of ways teachers can effectively teach students. Keeping students involved is a crucial part of learning, especially when considering young students. Incorporating drawing, acting, and prompting students with questions relating to the topic have been proven very effective.

Educational Video Games

Educational Video Games

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          In recent years, various different methods of teaching children have been tested to try to depose of the traditional lecture method of teaching. One method evolved from the diffusion of computers. This was to use video games to educate children. As crazy as it sounds, it actually makes sense. Video games are visually pleasing and interactive, and can fully involve kids in their game. This makes it a more interesting medium for kids to learn from. Also, video games improve visual-spatial thinking skills and critical thinking skills. Overall, video games can be used to enhance the learning of a child.