Gaming in the Class

In my opinion it is a fine line for educators to walk when it comes to allowing games into the classroom. I say that with an understanding of the mere mentioning of the word game engages most students. I also understand that there are very important skills that students learn while engaging in some of the games. What makes it a fine line is when educators try to keep up with the technology instead of the skill. I like to say “if it is not broken, don’t break it.” The article “Future Proof Your Learning Environment” the author gives tips on what educators should think about when implementing games into the classroom, and of the most important tip is what skills the students are trying to learn. I do believe that it is easy for some educators and spectators to say that school should be fun. I don’t think that school should always be fun. For some students school is the only formal setting they are a part of, and for that reasons it’s difficult to having games in the class all the time. With all that said games should be used in class. For all the reasoning I mentioned in the beginning and a few more. One more reason for having games is how long the games keep the students attention. That would teach patients, durability, and perseverance. The author of “How Minecraft teaches kids real work skill” mentioned that students participate in some game and have to come up with plan and see the plan through. This also allows students to reflect to see if the plan work. Some students talked about trying new things. I believe that there is a place for games in the classroom but it is up to the educator to remember the underline goal is the skill are concepts that students should be learning.