Double Entry Journal #6

1.      Students were also asked about where they found information for completing their work, and 86.3% of respondents indicated that they used the Web as opposed to printed materials.

I think it is a good thing that students use resources such as the Internet to find answers to their questions, rather than just asking the teacher. The Internet is a wonderful tool that is filled with all sorts of differentiated instruction and learning. I don’t view this statement as negative, but a display of how the world has changed to a technologically advanced society. I like that students are creative and resourceful enough to look for answers on the Internet.

2.      Better theories of learning are embedded in the video games many children in elementary and high school play than in the schools they attend. Furthermore, the theory of learning in good video games fits better with the modern, high-tech global worlds of today’s children and teenagers live in than do the theories (and practices) of learning they see in school

I really was offended by the first statement. For years, teachers have used games, videos, and other means of learning to promote critical thinking skills. And although learning principles are achieved through video games, doesn’t mean that the student is learning the correct content that will help them graduate high school. Most students do not like educational games. They love regular games, but throw some math in there and the kids will freak. With that being said, I do agree with the second statement. This is a new age—an age of technology and thus, video games are the attraction of teenagers and children. The games are interactive and gives the students a feeling of control, especially of their learning and achievements.

3.      Beck and Wade (2004) describe five characteristics that distinguish game environments as adaptive:

a.      Rapidly analyze new situations

b.      Interact with characters they don’t really know

c.       Solve problems quickly and independently

d.      Think strategically in a chaotic world

e.       Collaborate effectively in teams

This is what teachers try to motivate students to do within their classrooms, so that the students can become better 21^st Century learners. As I sit at home reflecting on this quote, I’m watching my husband and brother-in-law play Battlefield. My husband brought his TV from downstairs while my brother-in-law is using the living room TV. They are communicating and strategizing while working separately to accomplish the group goals. Battlefield is a real-life simulation of war, and I see the five characteristics that Beck and Wade described in this game as I observe my family. It is not just the two of them on a team; there are several people they have never talked to on their team as well. They have to analyze situations and solve problems quickly in chaos. All of the characteristics fit, and they are engaged so intently that my brother-in-law wouldn’t even answer his phone ringing. My only thought is, I wish school was this engaging.

Spires, H., Lee, J., & Lester, J. (2008). The 21^st century learner and game-based learning. Meridian, 11(1).

Other Resources:



     I chose this resource because it describes the learning process now and what needs to change for the future of our students. It discusses learning and how it is an integration of different pedagogy that will work for our future students. This is a very good video about the future of learning and how to reach the majority of students that come through the school system.

Senser, R. (2012, March 1). Youtube.com. Retrieved from The Future of Learning:
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoSJ3_dZcm8