
Computers are here to stay. They are in nearly every classroom and nearly every grade school child is already comfortable using one. Computers bring cutting edge technology and current information to students. Their contribution can be extended to include entertaining learning in the form of computer games.
Why are computer games being used in the classroom? Are they simply there to fill time in place of board games or outdoor playing, or do they serve an educational purpose? While games are often used to fill those times when students need something entertaining to do, they do serve a very important purpose.
Children enjoy using the computer. In fact, long before most kids have thought about school they have been on a computer. Video games, both computerized and on the television, are also extremely popular with children. Children will play computer games, so why not use them to reinforce educational material while they play?
Computer games in the classroom do not replace the teacher’s role. They are used for practice and drill in most situations. While some subjects, such as typing, are taught almost entirely using Computer Software, the computer is used in other subjects for practice. Take spelling as an example. When students need to practice their spelling words, a simple computer game like hangman could be used to help them practice in a fun, relaxed manner.
Educational software can be used in the home as well as the school. You know that your kids love to play on the computer. Imagine giving them a game to play that is fun while at the same time works to strengthen their math skills. Both you and your children’s teacher will approve of that type of screen time!
Educational computer games can also help strengthen the thinking skills of students. Games that ask students to solve mysteries are a great way to develop critical thinking skills in a fun, supportive way. These types of games are the ones that kids can play and learn without realizing that they are learning something!
When using computer games in the classroom, it is important to monitor what your students are doing. For example, you may find that a student always plays the basic math game that he knows he can win. He doesn’t really need to practice in spelling, so you might encourage him to embark on a history mystery game instead. Whenever possible, computer games should be used to work on skills that a student needs to strengthen.
Like all things in education, computer games require a balanced approach. Most children would be willing to play games all day long. Of course, this isn’t a good way to teach students. On the other hand, never allowing a student to play on the computer could be harming him. He will be missing out on valuable practice time and a fun way to approach learning. The balance should allow students to play, while at the same time providing traditional instruction throughout the school day.
So the next time you walk into your child’s school and see her on the computer, don’t worry. She is being entertained, challenged and learning at the same time! Computer games play a vital role in a well-balanced classroom, so take some time to thank your teacher for allowing your kids some time to play!
About the Author
Find computer games for home and school at All Educational Software.com.
Huge selection, always discount prices and low shipping.
Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate PC Game
|
|
New Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Office Mac 2011 Home And Student Family Pack 3 Users $288.98 Microsoft Office for Mac Home and Student 2011 helps your family make the most of every opportunity, every day, from managing home projects and planning important gatherings to helping your kids polish their homework. Create great-looking documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Communicate and share with family, friends, and colleagues, whether they¡¯re on Macs or PCs. And access your file… |
|
|
Brand New M Gear Wii Fit Yoga And Pilates Mat Pink Non-Slip Surface 3 Layers Contruction $9.45 This quality yoga mat is lightweight and durable. They offer insulation from cool floors and can be rolled or folded for use in poses. MGear mats provide a stable, non-slip surface that helps you achieve proper alignment to experience the full benefits of yoga. Made of durable foam with a high tack surface that provides stability, with a waffle weave for high durability. Perform your yoga rout… |
|
|
Enlight Software Virtual Skipper 3 Advanced 3D Engine Meticulous Attention To Detail Popular $29.39 Skipper your crew to their next victory over the Internet or LAN competing in a multitude of race styles from single races to online regattas! Alternatively you can hang up your skippers hat for a moment and use the powerful editor to create your own tropical paradise and leisurely sail around your new creation and share the experience with friends. Requirements. Windows98,2000,XP. PentiumIV1… |
|
|
The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Vol. 2 [Original Television Soundtrack] $24.98 … |
|
|
NCIS – The Complete Second Season $13.99 An elite team of agents investigates crime within the Navy community outside the military chain of command.Genre: TelevisionRating: NRRelease Date: 14-NOV-2006Media Type: DVD… |
|
|
Liberty’s Kids: Complete Series $26.99 History comes alive in this excellent Emmy and Humanitas Award-nominated 40-episode, animated series about the experiences of two young teens during the American Revolution. Far more than a simple chronicle of the battles and major events of the American Revolution, Liberty’s Kids tells the story of the cultural, scientific, political, and social forces that helped shape America’s fight for indepe… |
|
|
Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue $10.82 The engines are hard at work to build the new Sodor Search and Rescue Center. When Thomas helps a friend in need, he is rewarded with an exciting trip to the Mainland. Along the way, he gets lost at sea and finds himself on the mysterious Misty Island, where he meets new friends Bash, Dash, and Ferdinand. Together they try to help Thomas find his way home. Will Sir Topham Hatt’s search party ever … |
|
|
Star Trek Online Timecard $20.95 Become part of Star Trek: The Star Trek universe will appear for the first time in a massively multiplayer online game. Everything from the elegant domes of Starfleet Academy to the ancient temples of Vulcan, from the towers of Qo’noS to the Fire Caves of Bajor, from the mysterious Mutara Nebula to the unexplored voids of deep space, all will be represented in stunning 3-D graphics. Immerse yourse… |
|
|
Mystery Chronicles – Murder Among Friends $6.75 Comb the past for hiddenobjects as you trail a 19th century-killer.Product InformationIn Mystery Chronicles – Murder Among Friends, murder and mistrustabound in the town of Lyon in the year 1899. Trail an elusivekiller through the backroads of France, and solve clever puzzles tohalt the terror. Comb locations like libraries, museums,graveyards, and sewers for hidden objects and clues. … |
|
|
Mystery in London: On the Trail of Jack The Ripper $6.17 Gather clues and challenge the locals to unearth thetruth behind a murderous pastProduct InformationYour vacation to London turns into an investigation into one of its most notorious mysteries ever in Mystery in London: On the Trail of Jack The Ripper! As a collector of old books and curiosities, a leisurely trip to Long has taken a spine-tingling twist. Inside a copy of the novel Dr. … |