Teaching+with+Technology+Week+5+Wiki+Update

 **__Teaching with Technology Week 5 Wiki Update__** This week’s readings and video inspired me to use spreadsheets in a new way in the classroom. While reading __Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works__ by Pitler I was struck by information about using technology to let student track how their effort affect their success. The idea seems so simple when you stop and think but this is not used in the classroom. The question I asked myself was “why not”. As educators we strive to have student’s engaged in learning and grow as individuals but telling them how to do this is far less affective then allowing the students to find out for themselves. By teaching students to track how their effort, the student are given a place of power for their learning. A place we would like them to achieve. I also was very interested in the video clips regarding gaming as ways learn. James Paul Gee, in Grading with Games was very insightful as to how students will play a game until they have the game mastered. Wouldn’t it be great if student’s tried that hard in the classroom? While playing the game, the students learn information to help them achieve results to succeed. Sasha Barab in the video on New-Media Engagement also spoke to this point. That through the game students are learning, sometimes just in time for the skill that is required. I think that as the internet has changed the way people receive information, the schools need to keep in mind that being able to find and process information is a much needed 21st Century Skill instead of memorizing numerous facts to recall on a test. I do think that games could be an exciting way for students learn and to stay motivated to learn.