Games+in+the+Classroom


 * Using ICT Games in the Classroom **


 * Why use games **
 * bridges the gap between classroom material and student interest
 * makes class material more appealing to the students
 * shifts away from the traditional classroom and towards differentiated instruction
 * it acts as a connection to the real world as the importance of technology is always increasing
 * increases the connection between each other (student/student and student/teacher)
 * gives the teacher more tools to use
 * can connect with other classrooms worldwide
 * activates deeper thinking
 * helps students share ideas without being put on the spot
 * students can enjoy them outside of school as well
 * endless amount of choices, so the students don't get tired of one method

When using games in the classroom, there are certain guidelines the teacher must follow. They must keep the game related to the main points of the lesson. If it does not stay on track, or covers a wide spectrum, the students are more likely to get confused, and possibly quit trying. The teacher must also keep it simple so all students can understand. If the game is too hard for even one student to understand, they may see themselves as 'stupid' or 'useless' and the teacher has accomplished nothing in the end. The final guideline is to keep the game as a guide. Do not go into full detail with it, just highlight the main points and expand those ideas through other outlets. [] (classroom computer games tips) Games can be used in the classroom in a variety of ways. First, they can be incorporated into your regular routine. The teacher may choose to make a certain day of the week “game day” and have the children earn their opportunity to participate. Students would have to prove themselves to get such things as stars on a board, raffle tickets that the teacher hand out, and other similar ideas. Friday would work best as a game day for this method so the students have the entire week before to build up enough credits to participate. Another way to use games in the classroom is to clarify an idea that the students may not comprehend. Sometimes it takes a different view on a topic to be able to understand it to the fullest. If students look at a topic as a game, they will most likely find it more amusing and entertaining than if the teacher was lecturing about it, therefor it would be easier for the students to remain attentive for longer and would make it easier to comprehend difficult topics.
 * Guidelines for using games **
 * How to use games **
 * Examples of games in the classroom **

◦ Word searches ◦ Novel study games ◦ Adventure with reading [] (EWTN kids word search game) ◦ Calculation games ◦ Managing games ◦ Shapes [] (enVision Math) ◦ Research games ◦ “Animal Kingdom” [] (science biology test game) ◦ Adventure ◦ Historical games [] (cartopedia for iphone)
 * English
 * Math
 * Science
 * Social Studies