M7 Blog Post 6- Integrating Gaming and Simulations Into My Classroom
The educational website I chose to use is ABCYA.com. ABCYA track educational website that has a range of interactive games and different activities that are designed for children. This site targets students in varying grades, ranging from Pre-k to 6th grade (ages 3-12). The content on the website focuses on learning through play in areas such as math, reading, language arts and problem solving. Some Key features on ABCYA are educational games, creative tools such as puzzles, creative actives where students can draw, design or problem solve.
Integrating ABCYA into the classroom would be a highly effective way to engage students with interactive and educational content. ABCYA can be used in a lesson/unit as review for certain topics since the website offers many subject specific games. For example, for math at a second-grade level, there are games for Addition and Subtraction facts, Number patterns, Place value and math bingo games. What I like about ABCYA is that each student can progress at their own pace which allows for differentiated learning within the same activity.
To implement ABCYA into my classroom there would need to be few steps for it to be successful. I would first have to create excitement and clear expectations for the website. I would explain to the students that they will be using this website to practice various subjects in a fun and interactive way. I would assign each student a game based on their ability level so that every student can have fun reviewing skills they know while also being on their level. To scaffold the experience on ABCYA, I will assign games like Math Bingo or Number Chomp to help students with basic addition and subtraction for lower students and for more advanced students I will assign games that introduce multiplication or more complex number patterns. While the students are engaged in the games, I will move around the room to monitor their progress, observe how they are interacting with the games and offer ant help if needed.
By using ABCYA in the classroom, I would be able to observe student’s problem-solving strategies, language use and collaboration during their game play and offer immediate feedback. I can use exit tickets which would allow students to reflect on what they leave learned/ reviewed while on this website and demonstrate their understanding of the math concepts they were working on. I would also use peer assessment which would encourage students to give and receive feedback to their classmates. It would also promote collaboration and reinforce their learning. I can track students’ performance from ABCYA’s progress data as well as the students exit tickets.
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Chloe - ABCYA seems to offer a lot of varied game play in the context of age range and content. You mentioned some advantageous components such as students' development in creativity, design, and problem solving.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think it's powerful that you recognize the instructional importance in establishing enthusiasm around the digital source and monitoring activity by being present within the learning environment while students are engaged and exploring the digital platform.
You mentioned collaboration during your use of exit tickets. I'm wondering if you've considered how you can potentially utilize collaboration during actual game play?
Chloe,
ReplyDeleteI've used ABCYA when I taught 3rd grade and the students loved it! I agree with you that this game is perfect as it differentiates for students as they progress. I also like that there are options for different content areas and grade levels. This allows for students to be in the driver's seat when it comes to their education and they get to have fun while doing it.
Starting off by setting expectations is great! Although the game is fun and intended for students to be able to express creativity, the goal is that they're still learning and reviewing a particular skill set. I notice that sometimes students seem to care less about the content and more about playing that they don't merge the two ideas and learn for fun.
At the end, you mentioned peer collaboration and discussing what they have learned with one another. How has that gone and what does that look like in your classroom?