It appears as though WebQuests are a great way to address needs in Math or Science, while educational gaming can address an even wider range of skills and activities within perhaps any subject area a student is working in. Because of that, and because of the fact that educational gaming can be more easily directed into a slightly more independent and differentiated scope, it becomes the online learning tool that I would use the most within my first grade classroom.
Online gaming serves a great purpose in creating opportunities for skill integration, re-enforcement and guided practice as it provides life-long 21st Century skills through collaboration and strategy formulation all while being engaging and motivational which certainly become equally very important in student learning and achievement.
There are a ton of wonderful educational games online. However, if you are feeling adventuresome, you can always create your own. That way you create games to meet your district's standards and the learning needs of your students. YoYo Games offers free software for doing just that. It is called Game Maker 8 and is available at this website: http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/ Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteGames are also a great way to reward students who finish early or earn it another way. If you choose your games carefully, they are a win-win!
ReplyDeleteGames are very motivating for students - think of what kids would think if we introduced games to them that we made ourselves!
ReplyDeleteyes online learning is fantastic isn't it? I use it a lot to to reinforce concepts and as homework too. I can see that for your age students it is one of the best online concepts to participate in.
ReplyDelete