Portfolio of Sarah Higgins, Fall 2013

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Creating Games for Classrooms

mathmultiplicationtables.jpg

This arcade game is aimed at helping students between fifth and sixth grade to practice basic multiplication tables. The template that was used is meant for practicing vocabulary, and it is for that reason that the opening sequence does not corelate with the math lesson that has been linked bellow. Instead of showing a definition at the bottom of the screen that matches the vocabulary word at the top, a mathematical equation is shown and matched to an answer. 

Games and websites like these are important tools for educators to be aware of and use in the classroom. There are multiple games that are easily used on the computer or on a tablet, that can be adapted to any lesson or need. The only piece that is important to note as a potential negative is the fact that this particular game is what is known as a "shooter". The mouse button acts as a cross-hair and you are able to shoot the answers as you go to gain points. While this is extremely engaging and fun to play, some educators may find it to be inappropriate. While this game may not be someones first choice for their classroom, technology such as this is valuable for educators to help integrate technology into the classroom.

An important reason as to why this game was chosen has to do with assessment. This game allows players to enter their name at the end with their score, and only the teacher has access to that information. This allows the teacher to take the students highest grade for an assignment, or keep track of student progress. 

The creation of a game such as this shows competency in Standard 2 of the NETS for All Teachers. This is because this tool is easily created by an educator and ready for use in the classroom. Games such as these also help to add to a UDL learning environment. For students who are visual learners, games such as these are engaging perfect for reviewing purposes.

This section has been posted in Sub Standard 4b because the game created is targeted for a specific classroom audience. The fifth graders in my field experience showed a great interest in online arcade games, and this strategy provided an interesting way to have students practice information in an engaging way. These students are driven by competitive situations, and arcade games provide a fun way to practice while trying to beat their own previous scores.

Web Links:
  1. Multiplication Tables Multiplication Tables
    This is an interactive arcade game created through classtools.net to review multiplication tables.
Author: Sarah Higgins
Last modified: 10/29/2013 10:06 AM (EDT)