Gaming in the Classroom to Boost Engagement, Part II
As discussed in Part I, organizing and implementing engaging lessons and activities in the physical or virtual classroom can be a tall order. Compounding this challenge is the fact that today’s Gen Z students have grown up with the latest and greatest technology available, which often leads teachers scratching their heads about how to appeal to these screen-saturated tech wizards. Students’ reliance on and familiarity with technology has practically been engrained since birth. So, sadly, it makes total sense that mere books will struggle to make a lasting impression on many young learners—they crave the technology that they have become used to having at their fingertips. Yet the good news is this: teachers can also use this same gaming technology to their advantage for engaging learners!
Ideas for the math and sciences classrooms
- For many students, learning new math concepts can be especially difficult over Zoom in today’s virtual learning setup. In the classroom, children have manipulatives, hands-on exemplars, one-to-one, and in–person responses from their teachers. However, in the online environment with just the screen and 30 other students, it is often daunting to engage and grasp mathematical concepts. Teachers can use technology to their advantage, however, by prompting children to practice new skills using interactive games offered on various different platforms. Matific is one exceptional option for students in grades K-6. The website offers tutorials, called episodes, where students can interactively learn about and work through new math concepts and skills. There are also worksheets (which look more like video games than actual worksheets) where students can practice skills using visuals, animations, and feedback/support in realtime. In addition to the various lessons, students can try their hands at multi-step word problems and workshops that are self-paced.
- For older, more advanced math courses, teachers can utilize principles of investing, money management, and the stock market to get kids engaged. Online resources and platforms such as The Stock Market Game, Student Stock Trader, and How The Market Works allow for safe exploration of the world of global finance using apps, animations, and simulations.
- Another resource called ST Math, short for the spacial-temporal approach, is based entirely on the idea that visual learning, whether on a screen or in person, is the critical foundation for developing mathematical skills. This program can be used as a supplement to on-level learning, or it can act as an intervention program to provide students with the extra support that they need. Students view and review materials at their own pace through interactive resources, such as videos, demonstrations, animations, and real-world applicable practices.
National Geographic is another great way to introduce students to engaging, educational, online content. While it’s not exactly a gaming platform, Nat Geo Education can provide teachers with a multitude of classroom resources, student learning experiences, photos, videos, interviews, and more. National Geographic’s Explorer Classroom also streams live, student-centered workshops every week for children and teens. The live events involve interviews with animal specialists and scientists, tours of various habitats, overviews of conservation efforts, information about wildlife photography, real–life treasure hunts, and demonstrations of wilderness skills, etc—the list truly goes on and on. The other great thing about Nat Geo’s Explorer Classroom live events is that they can offer streaming in Spanish and American Sign Language as well.
