Chapter 7-Digital Blog Post #E

Photo credit by Wayan Vota on Flick

Educational software refers to computer products and Web-based tools that are designed to promote student learning in school and homes (Maloy, pg 176). It's incredible how technology gives this new opportunity to children to have another way of learning. As the summer winds down and the students start packing their bags for school, they can't forget to load up their laptop as well. Windows has lots of great software that can help them study more efficiently and produce better work (Newman). Educational software can build the students' knowledge and led them into more studying.  

For example, educational computer games are the new way of learning for students from K-12. Math and Science can be difficult for some children, but video games can make it seem not as hard. On my own experiences, I have been into elementary classrooms for observation hours and honestly, children get so into the games that they don't even talk while they are doing their assignments. It's amazing!! Just by watching children it becomes very clear that they prefer this type of approach to learning. Also, schools should incorporate finals and midterms exams using games! That would be fantastic for children who are not good taking exams. On this video shows some educational video games we can use for our future children. 

However, I believe that educational video games has its cons as well. Some students can get bored or frustrated and lose interest in the games. Other children will play games repeatedly and spend so much time on the computer (Maloy, pg 194). Strategies to Increase the Intrinsic Value of Tasks in your Class talks about some strategies for using games with students.  

Resources:

De La Garza, D. (n.d.). Metro Teacher. Retrieved February 14, 2015, from https://www.powtoon.com/show/bRc5j0Qwnhf/metro-teacher/#/

Newman, J. (2014, August 20). The best educational software for students. Retrieved February 20, 2015, from http://www.pcworld.com/article/2466587/the-best-educational-software-for-students.html

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.