EXECUTIVE SUMMARY #2 (Brown, J.
2004)
Motivation
for topic: NAEP 2003 study, and personal observation.
Talking Points
I.
International Society for Technology in Education
(ISTE, 2002) Technology Foundation Standards for social, ethical, and human
issues when using computers in education.
II.
Game Software
A.
Six questions to ask before launching game software in
the classroom:
1. Does the
game relate to grade-level curriculum?
2. Is the
game intended to reinforce basic mathematics or language arts skills?
3. Does the
game provide appropriate feedback?
4. Does the
game require the user to take notes, ask questions, or go elsewhere for
information?
5. Is the
game limited, such that higher order thinking skills are not engaged?
6. Is the
game in conflict with the Technology Foundation Standards for Students (ISTE,
2004)?
B.
Position against most computer games in the classroom.
> Munchers, ELC, WWW
C.
Position for computer games with curriculum
connections, custom skill levels with increased degree of difficulty, progress
reports, and assessment. > Earobics
III.
Simulations
A.
Position for simulations: West Point Bridge Contest
B.
Public safety warning for engineers: GT STRUDL
developer Dr. Emkin
IV.
Virtual Activities
A.
Position for virtual activities: Platonic solids >
Hands-on activities
B.
Position against v/a: Tune-in or tune-out? >
Virtual manipulatives > NCREL
