Friday-noon

The support for this workshop comes solely from NCSU and the workshop provider. My administrators and particularly the media center and technology office would strongly discourage this type of computer use.

My biggest need for technology now would be a class set of lap tops that teachers could have control of. Currently, teachers can not even access the C drive of our computers. Nothing can be downloaded and saved. Programs, no matter their educational value, can not be installed by teachers and must be approved by "the technology office". I think if the tech office is not familiar with the program the program will not be installed. I understand the hazards of unrestrained computer use but there has to be a happy medium!

Friday-morning

I think the game I'm working on is a bit too simplistic for high school but after working with the middle school kids this week I have found that playing together is also learning together. Kids can connect with other kids and teacher with students. The common, shared experiences build the rapport and trust that is ofter lacking in today's test driven classroom.

Thursday-Shut down/power off

There are a minimum of 5001 applications for what is happening here. The audio alone could get kids thinking about how it would sound to replicate DNA, or split a cell. It could really be used to force kids to think about processes in a new way. The audio manipulation is a great physics tool!

Thursday - afternoon

I think video games are a great way to encourage kids to review throughout the school year. They may interest and entice students that would not otherwise be engaged. Just one more trick in the bag to get kids to study outside the traditional classroom.

Thursday Morning

I listen to my students first. I think that gives them the feeling that I value what they have to say which translates into respect. As often as possible, we collaborate on decisions that effect them directly. My students know I will go to bat for them when they are in the right. We laugh a lot!!!


I don't have many concerns about connecting with students. I really think it boils down to respect.

Wednesday afternoon

Important things I learned today-how to find record and edit sound.

Fun things I learned today- the kids have a great time with the sounds and modifying sounds. ( Some things are always funny no matter what your age!!)

Moral to the story-perseverance pays!!!

We're getting there and I am understanding the way the program thinks a bit more.

Every student is different. Some expect very detailed nots and copy and recopy. Some like to listen with a copy of prepared notes in font of them. Some must manipulate things. every student is different and every concept is handeled differently by many students.

Wednesday-lunch

Wednesday morning

My teaching varies from day to day. Generally my class is very student centered and inquiry based. I like to get students involved in discussion and individual projects. I try to be as interdisciplinary as possible. My style is structured, focused but slightly informal.

Tuesday-lunch

The technology I currently use allows my students to get current information, enhances their problem solving skills and allows students to use their most comfortable learning mode. My teaching is more visual and interactive. Both my students and I stay more current with technology advances. I know because students respond verbally, ask for additional items like power point notes and web postings etc. Parents also respond and comment on postings, the availability of notes and grades on line. also, technology projects have resulted in numerous science awards for several of my students.

Tuesday-morning

I currently use technology as a presentation tool: posted power point notes, a class web site, internet activities and chemistry help sites, in lab settings with probe ware and other measurement devices, my students use graphing calculators on a daily basis and we use ArcGIS as an analysis tool for several long term projects. With the addition of graduation projects we use the internet as a resource for current information, as an analysis tool for data (excel), and for presentations. Of course, we can't live without email.

Monday-shut down and log off

I will be here for 500 years to get finished creating an authentic pfeisteria game!!!!! But I learned tons.

Day 1-Afternoon blog

I am here because I am interested in learning how to design and create computer games.

I am excited about learning how to create games and actually getting started on making pfiesteria bloom and eat fish flesh!

I am concerned about the amount of time the process will take and how accurate the graphics will be.

Day 1 - Morning

video games in general? video games as learning tools?

I think video games in general can be a great diversion for all ages of people. For some, the use of games can be addictive. I think games have there place. Visual coordination can be increased. I'd like to know how gaming effects visual and spatial thinking skills. I remember PONG!!!! What does that say?

I think educational video games can be a great motivational tool for students of all ages. I wonder if the quality of educational games will be of the same quality and motivational level that will actually hold students' attention. Competing with a multi-billion dollar industry may be risky.