Video games in the classroom

We have been using video games in the classroom for a long time.  I grew up playing "Oregon Trail" and "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego."  I remember really enjoying computer time and playing these games.  I think that using video games to learn is an excellent idea.  I would love to have a game about the process of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, or even cell division.  I already have ideas floating throughout my head, however, I have no clue how to make a video game.  I agree with the speaker in that we need to engage our students.  We do need content based video games.  Our students would probably love them.  Again, it's a great idea, but the speaker failed to tell us how, or even where we could find the tools to make these games.  All he did was give me ideas.  I don't know what to do with these ideas.  I kind of feel let down.

The flipped Classroom

Wow!  How powerful.  The flipped classroom was kind of amazing.  I think it would be a great way to change teaching.  Students learning on their own time, while getting help on the actual work they have to complete in the classroom.  I think I might have done better in math, had this been implemented when I was young.  I love the idea of students learning on their own time.  I love the idea of not standing in front of my classroom lecturing.  There seems to be a lot of different ways to implement a flipped classroom.  It would definitely take some getting used to, but it could be life changing.

Positives: Students learn at their own pace.  They can rewind, fast forward, watch multiple times. Students get the help they need in class

Potential negatives:  Students might lack the necessary equipment (computers, phones, internet)

I have actually used blogs in the classroom.  When I taught middle school, I would make it a requirement that students respond to a question that I would post regarding a learning objective. I found it useful, as it was a unique way to check for understanding while using technology.  I think my students enjoyed it.  Blogs could also be used in the classroom as a tool to get to know one another.  Feeling safe in a classroom is important. A lot of the time, teachers do not allow students to talk.  A blog could be a great way for students to get to know each other without a big disruption in the classroom. Depending on the subject of the blog, students might realize that they have commonalities that they might not have realized.  It could be a wonderful classroom building tool, especially for shy students.