"PowerPoint Games as a learning tool"

http://jamie.paticchio.googlepages.com/powerpointgame

The best PowerPoint game I played today was by Jamie Paticchio. The game is geared toward third grade math students and is designed to practice solving word problems. The name of the game is "Grocery Store Challenge" and the objective is to help Tommy and his mom buy all the groceries they need without going over their budget.

The technology enhanced the subject matter. The game itself was well designed. The home page had an animated clip art piece and the entire presentation flowed well. Because the game is played in groups, it creates team work and cooperation. Playing this game during class would not only enhance learning, but also foster peer relationships. The questions are consistent with the word problem theme and are grade level appropriate.

I wouldn't change the questions, per se, but I would change the "outcome" slides. I don't like that a big sad face and INCORRECT! pops up if the students get the answer wrong. Especially with viewing this on a projector (which is more probable since the game is for the entire class), it is discouraging to see an image like that for a third grader. Instead, I would possibly put "Try Again" without the exclamation point and the HUGE sad face. Also, a few slides still have "type my question here" before the question begins.

I really liked how colorful and well put together this game was. I want to figure out how to incorporate animated clip art into my game when I create it.

PowerPoint games can be used as a classroom activity in order to break away from the monotony of worksheets and lectures. PowerPoint games are a fun way to learn and will foster student participation and, creativity if used properly.

Teaching and Learning Puzzle

SNS1.IP2

SNS1.IP2 Initiate, sustain, and close oral and written exchanges in Spanish, applying familiar vocabulary and structures to new situations. a. Participate in extended oral and written activities using the appropriate tenses and discourse structures. b. Exchange ideas clearly using level-appropriate language. c. Use paraphrasing, circumlocution, body language, and other creative means to convey and comprehend messages. d. Use self-correction. e. Demonstrate Intermediate-Mid to Intermediate-High proficiency in oral and written exchanges with respect to pronunciation, intonation, and writing mechanics.

My standard is for grade level 10 or 11. The standard is definitely doable if the students are genuinely interestd and not simply taking the course because they are required. It is also doable if the student has had an adequate foundation of basic language skills. A performance standard allows the teacher to grade a student's work and determine their progress based on the average student. It also helps the teacher recognize when a student is falling behind. However, performance standards become an issue when students feel incompetent if they do not meet the performance standard although they are putting forth their best effort. The student in turn becomes discouraged and possibly less likely to put forth much effort.

Because I am an auditory leaner I would have more listening activities so that the students are better able to identify words when they hear them spoken by a native speaker; activities like translating songs or filling in the blanks after listening to a recording, also, watching movies with subtitles. In order to cater to hands on learners and visual learners, I would create writing and reading activities, respectively.

From experience, level 4b is best used for this grade level. Projectors, computers, and televisions are used on a daily basis to facilitate student learning. Students would also use computer programs in order to create projects. Teaching with technology in today's society is helpful because students can relate since they are the computer generation. However, often times, especially if not used correctly, technology can be a major distraction in the classroom.

I found an article rationalizing why it is important to use technology in today's classroom. It began by stating how important it is to integrate multimedia and technology into student learning activities in the 21st century. There are programs developed specifically for students with certain learning deficiencies, such as computer programs for ESL students. Also, technology can be used to develop higher thinking skills and to expose students to the world outside of their immediate reach. Teachers should use technology to create a variety of activities for students for many different reasons that will benefit both the student and the teacher.

Rationale for using technology and multimedia applications in the classroom