Feedback, please! Post a comment with your thoughts, excitement, dismay, impressions, or suggestions regarding class 1 and any of the topics discussed. Post before Tuesday, January 14 at 5 PM.
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Pro: I liked the situational problem-solving. I plan to actually present the Round Island survival problem as an intro to one of our reading stories.
ReplyDeleteRe: STEM- Chip got me on board with math; Lee got me on board with technology; engineering (in your dreams); science....help me.
Con: I dislike video games with all that is within me. You are the third group of UAS instructors trying to make the case that real world problem solving skills are a byproduct of video games. I am not yet convinced. You have your work cut out for you.
How do you feel about games in general, regardless of medium? Board games, card games, "Choose Your Own Adventure"-style games, etc.?
DeleteI'll take that challenge RE: engineering! Your problem solving skills were obvious in the survival challenge... and problem solving is what engineering is all about!
DeleteColin, I enjoy many board games, card games, and puzzles. I don't like games like Risk or Monopoly, but I do like Ticket to Ride, Backgammon, and Mancala. I think that indicates that I like strategy-based games but I don't like to be destroyed by someone who out-strategizes me :)
DeleteLori, I did discover that I really enjoy problem solving and that I do have good problem solving skills. What I am still developing are solid mathematical strategies to support the viability of my solutions.
Our current unit of study in reading is "Problem Solvers" (Houghton Mifflin, Theme 4 for fourth grade). Kids know that most stories have a character that will face problems and have a mission to find a solution, whether realistic or fantasy. I think many students would be able to relate to mine craft in that way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Karen’s comment that using video games to promote learning skills is a concept that will have to grow on me. However, I could certainly see the value if done correctly (and if my principal does not walk in at the wrong moment). For some kids, this may be the only excitement they see in learning, unfortunately.
I really enjoyed the first class. The first activity for stranding us on an island was a little out of my comfort zone. Mainly because I wanted more information! I wanted to know what we got and whether or not we were suppose to leave the island. (it might have been explained, but I was having a hard time hearing and messing with my sound to try and fix it). In the end I understood the activity and would be more comfortable with similar ones in the future.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of minecraft, and my 6 year-old has been asking for it for over a year, but I had never actually played it. Once I got in the world, I couldn't stop! I loved it and see that it might get a little addicting. When I came home and told my sons what I did in class, my 6 year-old came running from the opposite side of the house because he heard me say minecrafe. I did set it up on my home computer and try it out, and it was pretty hard. I found some youtube videos that walked me through some things, but I know that I am going to want a cheat sheet to remind me of how to build things. My 6 year-old got so frustrated that he left crying (he had watched youtube videos where everything was built and he couldn't find a house to live in). I'm sure once I figure things out I can show him and he will like as much as he thinks he will.
I am a little worried about our homework assignments of using minecraft in my classroom. I'm not sure how many of my kids use it in High school, and I am not sure how I can incorporate it with my current topics I'm teaching. The only thing that I can think of is that I am teaching a class that is used to support my lower performing students with Algebra 1 (because they are taking the entire class in one semester). The class is used for extra practice on the skills they are learning in that class. I meet with these students 4 days a week, 2 days for 55 minutes and 2 days for 75 minutes. I debating whether to do a Minecraft day, but I'm not sure if I want to lose a period of review and extra help. I know that it in the end they will learn things and problem solving skills, but it is really out of my comfort zone.
If I do make a minecraft day, how I teach students how to use the program? Do I create my own IP address? If so, how do I do that? I am sure that I will have more questions, so be aware!
Feel free to fire away w/ any questions you have regarding the nuts and bolts. Happy to answer!
DeleteI'm sorry to hear that your son was so upset! I have a 6-year old as well, and he came home from his first day of first grade and asked "What's Minecraft?"... it's all the rage among the second graders (and up) on the playground. He hasn't gotten into playing it at this point, but I coud see similar frustrations with him getting started.
DeleteTo be clear, certainly not every STEM lesson will need to be performed in Minecraft. As you learn more about it, and see more applications, our hope is that each teacher will find the applications that are right for their students, or find the right audience. Colin will be really helpful in answering your questions about how to get it set up in your classroom.
I am in the boat with your 6 year old....last night I was so frustrated I wanted to cry! I too am struggling with the reality of incorporating this game into instruction and the idea that we don't have to know how to play it in order for kids to do the tasks. I am quite baffled by that idea.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, but I know that we will figure it out! I think we all have to be open to this process.
DeleteThis was a very interesting first class.
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued with the first part with Round Island. At first I was lost - I've done some outdoor activities but all in the Southwest, I'm out of my element when it comes to Alaska and the outdoors. But it was an experience talking with my group and figuring it all out. I will say it really showed how long my day was and how out of it I was -- it took me almost 15 minutes to realize it wasn't rocks on the island but Walrus' in that picture - the very walrus' our group had been talking about killing for food. ;-P
I will say, I've been a fan of video games and education for a while now. While I've seen the imbalance of video gaming and activity among children growing, I've also seen how video games can be used to promote thinking and education. However, with that being said - I did get frustrated with MineCraft last night. I felt so out of my element. I wish there had been a little more of a tutorial prior to being let loose within the game. I would have liked more of an overview of the controls and expectations of what the expectations. As it was, I left the class stuck in the water not knowing how to get out. I ended up talking with one of my students who plays MineCraft and asked for help. Sadly - that turned out to be a mistake. Instead of this student trying to help, he took over. So while I go out, I don't know how I go out or how I got out of that section.
As for the rest -- I'm still confused. I pulled up the power point from class (thank you for making that available) to see what we needed to do in MineCraft. I'm looking at the tasks we need to do. I believe I'm stuck on Task 2. Oh well, hopefully I'll get these tasks figured out by Tuesday, Jan. 21st reflection.
Well, lets see.......
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am not a gamer, so the idea of Mine Craft has me less than exuberant. However, I am aware that my first graders play the game and often build things out of Legos and blocks during Free Choice that resemble things they have seen in the game. I respect the students enough to use things that interest them to teach them the concepts that they need to develop.
I loved the opening of class last night. I like how the process went because we as a team worked together to problem solve, explore options that one of us may not have thought of, build upon all ideas, and work as a team. Team building is huge and an important aspect of the job market and our students need to do the same.
What did I learn last night? I learned that while I am more comfortable playing a game that has clear directions, goals, and explicit instructions, I could be a risk taker and jump in and figure things out. It reminded me of learning the computer skills that I have acquired in that I was out of high school before computers were the norm so I had to jump in and figure things out. I think my students are very comfortable learning in this style and I try to allow them many such opportunities.
I am very much looking forward to this class experience! I am a junky for learning new things, and when it comes to STEM, I have much to learn.
Debbie
This was a great introduction to STEM and I am thrilled to be part of this class.
ReplyDeleteThankfully all the technology and pieces worked on my system and I was able to connect to my first distance education class. I am really looking forward to learning via this format and sharing this knowledge with students. What a FUN first class!
Carlagisme@gmail.com
As I sat down to write this reflection, I looked attaché syllabus and realized that I had somehow missed that it was due Tuesday. That could possibly be that although yesterday was only Tuesday, it seemed like my week was a whirlwind. That being said...
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed our first activity being stranded on round island. I was grateful that my oldest daughter decided to sit right next to me and tell me what to do. They did a survival trip last year where they went to an island with sleeping bags, rainwear, and only what they could take in a 10ounce coffee can. She loved it, and if I ever were stranded anywhere, I'd want her to be with me.
I am always nervous about these classes and how I am going to do the assignments since I do not have a class of elementary/middle school students, but this one made me a bit more nervous when I learned Minecraft was involved - to the point that I though of dropping it and taking Algebra for the K-8 curriculum instead. But I do know some of my children's friends that play Minecraft and am learning about others. In fact last night I have a friend who is an elementary school teacher and I asked her if her own children play Minecraft and they do. They are 2nd grade and 5th grade. When I asked if I could borrow them for some of my assignments this semester, she said they'd be thrilled. I hope the rest of my children's friends feel the same way. I may even go and see if the jr high principle will let me use some students during an academic workshop (a 30 minute period meant to help brush up on skills, but most groups just read books). But that would have to happen quickly because the new semester for them starts on Monday.
I am excited for STEM. Math and science were my things in school, and my dad used to always tell us that we had engineering minds, so I believe it. I have children who are always building things with paper, boxes, Legos, ... So it will be fun.
Am I excited for this journey? Yes.
Am I nervous? Yes!
I had trouble loading Minecraft to my computer. I was very frustrated during class, because other people were asking questions on how to jump and where to go, and I couldn't even get out of the "starting gate." Finally, Colin determined that parts of my computer was just too old to handle Minecraft. Fortunately, I have a little laptop that did successfully load Minecraft.
ReplyDeleteThe next problem I encountered was how to run my little laptop with Windows 8. Finally I determined that I had to get a mouse for the laptop to play the game. I finally started moving in the game and then found jumping the large crevice to be a challenge. Finally, I am successful. I cannot play the game for long periods (more than 20 minutes), because I become queasy. I think it is the size of the screen, maybe?
Anyway, I am excited about the Monster Lobe project. I found an article (http://www.adn.com/2012/12/01/2710503/frozen-landslide-threatens-to.html) from the Anchorage Daily News regarding this issue. I am nervous about planning lesson plans regarding an environment (Minecraft) that I am not knowledgeable about. I think that using Minecraft to teach concepts is a great idea. This is a way that middle school students spend a lot of time, why not use this diversion for learning. When teaching, it is important to "tie into" what the student is comfortable and knowledgeable about. Learning also is more successful when a student enjoys themselves and feels accomplished. I believe that building lessons with Minecraft will accomplish all these goals.
As with anything, it will be important (when building lessons) to balance the Minecraft portion with the objectives that need to be achieved in math, science and engineering.
Ronna, You are not the only one who gets queasy after playing Minecraft. I recall reading about an adjustment to the game that can help with that... I'll dig into it and let you know what I find out.
DeleteQueasiness! You're not alone. Here's an article from The Guardian regarding getting some nausea when playing FPS (First Person Shooters): http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/dec/19/video-games-makes-me-sick
DeleteIn my own experience I used to get queasy quite a bit when I actually was playing games quite a bit (back in college really). I found ramping up the time helped out, taking frequent breaks, and doing whatever I could to turn up the frames per second helped. In the options section (hit Esc to get to the menu where you can click "Options"), under "Video Settings", try changing "Graphics" from "Fancy" to "Fast", and then change "Performance" to "Max FPS".
I feel a little sick after playing and my eyes and head hurt. I guess moderation and little bits at a time. :)
DeleteRonna, I had the same trouble getting over the larger distances - type the space bar multiple times when you're in the air. Similar to going from walking to running, type the "w" key twice.
DeleteI completely forgot the due date, until I went to do the assignment. Oops!!
ReplyDeleteHi! This is Sunshine Winn. I just joined the class on Thursday, so I was in a whirlwind trying to get everything I needed to catch up. I was able to watch the first meeting and get onto minecraft. My kids (9 & 6) absolutely love it. They are even more excited to know that I will be using them as my students. I was very nervous reading the syllabus, I didn't have a clue what STEM was. After watching the Webmeeting session I learned a lot. I just wish I could have heard what was being discussed in each room, I felt that I missed out on a lot there. But I got the bulk of the conversations after you all came together to discuss it as a large group. I too didn't see that those were walrus'. I didn't think about being on the less windy side of the island, that was smart thinking. And building a boat out of walrus hide would be a fun task to try to accomplish. As for minecraft, I had fun with it. Yes, I too got frustrated and asked my boys for help. They are more than happy to help their mother out. I am excited to be a part of the group, and will hear from you all on Monday at 4:30.
ReplyDeleteLori had asked for physical addresses:
Sunshine Winn
3650 McGinnis Drive
Juneau, AK 99801
Gmail address: sunshine.winn@juneauschools.org
Welcome, Sunshine :) Glad you were able to join us. Yes, the discussions of how people came to their tasks of eating, drinking, taking shelter, etc. was really interesting to listen to. We'll have many more opportunities for similar discussions and problem solving :)
DeleteHello, all! I thought the first class was fantastic. Who knew I was going to get to play Minecraft with my classmates?! I love the "geek" factor and that there is a team of you working together to make this happen. It felt like each of you brings a specific talent to the team and I am excited to gain from that combined knowledge. That being said, I am also among the few that appreciate the possibilities of what gaming can offer students.
ReplyDeleteI teach computer lab to all grades, K-5, so I will be looking for a broad range of lesson ideas and implementation. I am especially excited about the prospect of bringing STEM oriented lessons into my computer lab. I have focused the first half of the year on basic skills and vocabulary for my K-2 graders. My 3-5 graders have learned about internet safety, browsing and researching, beginning and intermediate PowerPoint skills, and we’re currently finishing our intro to GIMP. They’re excited about the possibilities of being able to modify and create images that will be tailored to academic presentations!
On the no so exciting side, I work with an IT department that drags their feet kicking and screaming at the prospect of allowing teachers to do or use any technology that uses bandwidth. I am totally down for starting the process of being able to use MinecraftEDU in my computer lab. I will appreciate ANY support in the process from you all. I will have to justify why, specifically, Minecraft. Also, there is a free version from the App store, but for pc, it appears it has to be purchased. Is there a "free" version for educators? I will have to find the funding if not, and that could create a challenge for incorporating lessons within the semester.
Now...if only I could figure out Twitter as easily as Facebook...I'd be set! I am admittedly Twitter deficient, and looking for some videos that will help me learn the ins and outs of the app. Once I've got that down, I know the video from the first meeting will make more sense. Ok...I'm off to get lost in Youtube to learn about Twitter and will hope to increase my tweeting proficiency. Wish me luck!
Hi, Heather :) I agree - I'm really looking forward to seeing how Minecraft and problem-solving works with your computer classes! I think it's a great opportunity to see how the computer classes (mostly the T in STEM) can progress to incorporate STEM as well. Exciting!
DeleteOn the not-so-exciting side, it's quite helpful that you're looking ahead to potential pitfalls in implementing technology using bandwidth. We will cover this more in class, but part of our grant is to provide resources (Colin and money) to get each teacher set up as their own server to host your individual class. This would require much less bandwidth, once it's set up, compared to using a national server somewhere else. My figures are off, but MinecraftEDU is something like $13.50 per user for a lifetime account and an additional cost of $41 to run it in your classroom, for about $376 if you have 25 students. Collin is a great resource and you can also check out the MinecraftEDU webpage:
http://minecraftedu.com/page/purchase-faq#2
for more FAQ.
As for Twitter, I'm also very deficient. I've never logged on, though I'm not sure I ever will :-/ Good luck!
For Twitter - check out the web site http://tweetdeck.twitter.com - much easier to organize your tweets using that tool, with a different column for each saved search (e.g. Tweets from certain lists of users, or that match certain #hashtags).
DeleteMegan is right - if you host a server in house there's very little bandwidth (other than searching help resources, really) that is required - very easy to justify on that measure alone. I threw document together for another class as an intro into what is required: http://gamifi-ed.wikispaces.com/Getting+Started+with+MinecraftEdu
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