Purpose

"Well-designed games can motivate students to actively engage in meaningful and challenging tasks, and through this process to learn content and sharpen critical-thinking and problem-solving skills" (Metz, 2012). 

School Uses:

Our goal as teachers is to deeply engage students in their learning. Games can help us with this challenging task. It has been found that there are key elements in effective games. Games should have exciting narratives, life-like graphics, challenging discovery based tasks, adaptive support features, a form of assessment, and competition and rewards (Metz, 2012). Games can be incorporated into classroom lessons as a whole group activity or used by individual students. I have found that once students begin a game, they want to continue playing. Therefore, the games are an excellent tool to introduce students to a new subject - allowing them to explore the topic. They are also a wonderful tool for review or practice of a skill or concept. Within the games, students are presented with several opportunities to solve problems while thinking critically. "Games can stimulate large gains in engagement, productivity, creativity, and authentic learning" (NMC Horizon Report, p. 38). 

Home Uses:

One of the wonderful aspects of gaming technology is that it is not restricted to school. "With the advent of modern web-based delivery mechanisms including smartphones and tablets, games are now available to young people anytime, anywhere" (Metz, 2012). Many common math games are aligned to the Common Core standards. They also allow for teachers to create classes and assign particular games to play. While at home, students are able to log into their accounts (or access the game) and practice their skills. Even at home, they are engaged in their learning. They are getting more experience with solving problems and experiencing productive failure. Additionally, students collaboration is extended pass the school day. Students can continue to compete against their classmates if the game allows! 

Community Uses:

How often have we heard, "This isn't how I was taught this type of math!" from a parent? With the Common Core being used in most classrooms across the nation, teachers are faced with the challenge of how to help parents help their students. One solution is, of course, games! Community events such as open house allow for an opportunity to share educational games with parents. A gaming demonstration can be easily performed on a SmartBoard for a large group of people. Even better - reserve a computer lab/chart and allow parents the time to explore the site with you present! A how-to-guide or a list of helpful gaming sites and applications can also be shared. As we know, we are all lifelong learners. Therefore, by providing parents with the opportunity to learn and engage in the content with their students, we can truly benefit everyone.