#games4ed discussions cover ways in which gaming can be used in education. Games mirror the way the human mind was designed to learn. They motivate players to take risks and actions, persevere through failures, set and achieve increasingly difficult goals, and devote attention, time, and effort to acquiring knowledge and skills. All this while the game is tracking the player’s actions and assessing the player’s achievements and skills. Isn’t this what we want from education?
Dekita Ferguson. VA. Elementary Teacher and I have no expertise in coding but I am interested in introducing my 1st graders to it! #games4ed#regenttech4admin
Hey all! Steve from NJ - I teach Game Design and Development - level of coding expertise... hmmm.... Always feel like I need to learn so much - but do love learning it and teaching it and learning with my students. Maybe Intermediate? #games4ed
Kevin, 7/8 history SoCal (it's raining!). I know HTML and nothing else. I'm pretty great at that Frozen game on https://t.co/OFRvW1TkmQ though. #games4ed
Hello, #Games4Ed! I teach media arts and literacy in typically sunny SoCal — but I guess we’ll take whatever rain we can get! Took a #Pascal course way back and know very basic #Python and #JavaScript, but nothing serious! I’ll stick to my day job! 🕵🏻♂️
Hey everybody!!! I'm Arcadia, a tech ed teacher in Virginia Beach!I know a little bit about a lot of different coding languages, but a lot about none. I am passionate about having all kids do coding, even my financial skills kids are coating tomorrow! #Games4Ed
Hello everyone. I'm Nicholas Champagne, a sophmore at UW-Platteville studying education. I have done a little bit of C++ and java but by no means am experienced. #games4ed
The great thing these days is that programs like @codeorg#hourofcode etc make it so that you don't need to have expertise to get kids involved in coding! #games4ed
A1: At our school, the technology resource teacher meets with classes an hour at at time to teach students about coding. It is up to the classroom teachers to schedule a time with the tech teacher. Offered in a computer lab setting versus classroom. #games4ed
YES! More pre-service teachers. Still can't imagine if twitter existed when I was in college - oh wait, it would have been neat if the internet existed! #games4ed
A1: Funny I was just thinking about this today. I am not in a classroom anymore. This is the first time in 6 years I haven't run an #hourofcode That being said it's been awesome to see so many teachers using #dashanddot and #makeblock robots this year. #games4ed
A1: Different Ss code in different ways at different levels, block based, script, clubs, offline algorithmic activities, making games. I think the most important aspect is that it’s not about learning code as much as it should be about giving an opportunity to create. #games4ed
My students all have opportunities to learn / experience coding and YES we celebrate #CSedweek and #hourofcode. In my choice based 8th grade game design elective I am offering DOUBLE XP all week for coding quests !!! #games4ed Right @felpix and @stephqniee ?
A1: At my high school there were dedicated coding class but were not a very good source of coding inforamtion. It was more of a, heres the code, and now do what I did. Not a very effective strategy when it comes to teaching coding in my opinion. #games4ed
Hello! Colton from CA currently working on my credential and Masters. Coding expertise: understand loops and functions but learning more! Looking to gain information on engaging technology for the classroom @YehCathery#games4ed
our lovely tech coach @teachrqueen made an hour of code choice board that was sent out to all teachers. All teachers were encouraged to have their students do this during their refuel (study hall) time at least once this week. #Games4Ed
A1: In my game development classes students have opportunities to code but in their design teams it's not a requirement as there are other roles. All kids are exposed to coding and at least dabble #games4ed And then there are kids that dive in head first! Right, @FelpixTheMaker
That's a good idea. I need to get some sidequests set up in @classcraftgame over the holiday. Or maybe I can just find some good coding quests already made! #games4ed
A1: I teach three computer science classes - 6, 7, 8 - and a robotics class as our 8th grade tech ed course. This year, we did an unplugged #hourofcode lesson during our advisory period - all 800+ Ss got to participate and loved it! #games4ed
A2) all of my 6th and 7th graders will be doing the Grinch #HourOfCode tomorrow! I mixed up the activity a bit and added a competition to it. #Games4Ed
The class is setup as a blowoff math credit so it does not get much attention. Most of the students take it just to get the credit and not focus on the coding it self sadly. #games4ed
A1 i have yet to learn about coding in my courses in the graduate program - however my boyfriend is an electronics engineer student and many of his assignments are making and completing codes! He once made a radio. The possibilities are endless for students #games4ed.
A2: Short answer: don't get me started. Longer answer: EVERY JOB, EVERYWHERE, is made better with a basic, foundational, knowledge of computer science and programming. It is only getting more necessary to have these skills, not less. #games4ed
Yeah - takes a little getting used to. Of course one of the nice things about the way they are designing is the game is created in Win10 #minecraft so you can play it in #VR or not :) #games4ed - I'm starting to warm up to the controls
They LOVED it! I spent hours copying/sorting/compiling resources, but I’m the only @csteachersorg in my building and only a third of our students can even sign up for my CS classes. Every kid deserves to code, and it was so worth it! #games4ed
Most of the elementary kids will spend time coding. Yet I believe educators teach more computational thinking than they realize. When it comes to recognizing patterns, determining cause and effect...we do that all the time. We just don't use CT language. #games4ed
A2: It is a language that is crucial to having an understanding of how our world works. Also neat fact-languages like C++ are very similar in structure to ASL, so coding is innately accessible to students with disabilities #games4ed
Looking over all of the edchat possibilities, I guess I would be most interested in a #games4ed chat based on my kids’ requests. Kind of surprised there is not a specific elementary math chat, though. Not sure if i missed it, or not. #WCPS12DAYS
Don't tell anyone but I don't think I actually got my first email account until after college. And I certainly didn't have google maps! I'm surprised I'm not still wandering around trying to get home #games4ed
I totally agree as when learning how to code it takes an understanding of logic and order processes that can be applies to multiple instances. That aspect alone is a great reason to tlearn coding. #games4ed
A2: Yes its an important skill. Everything is becoming technology focused. Understanding coding could open up doors to positions that have not been created yet. Its our job as educators to prepare our students for the future not just today! #games4ed#regenttech4admin
A2: I saw a fairly heated discussion on this last week. I see so many skills that go along with coding, not just the final product. Computational thinking, as well as attention to detail, are important for all students to have #Games4Ed
That is one of the big plusses. There really are not any wrong answers so Ss learn that exploration and critical thinking looking for possible answers is a good thing. #games4ed
A3: More focus on creation than activities-more Scratch less turn left/right (even if you start there). Also based on recent conversations-a focus on the ethics of computer science-creating for its own sake can be problematic #ethicalcs#games4ed
A3: I've been trying to preach the value of teaching game development in schools for years. I'm starting to see more classes pop up which is great. The beauty is it teaches coding / comp sci in an area that is so relevant to our kids. Kids are EXCITED about making games #games4ed
Interesting. I was just chatting with a student about the benefits of learning sign language--she's thinking of writing a speech about it--and I'm going to mention this to her #games4ed
A3: I would love to see it vertically aligned so that each year the Ts know what skills their learners have coming to them, and how they can still grow. Imagine the possiblities for the Ss to show what they know in unique and engaging ways. #games4ed
A3 I think coding at some level will/could be considered one of the foundational literacies. I'd like to see it more cross curricular, not just science or tech type classes #games4ed
A3 yes!!! I would definitely love to see developmental game courses or more courses focusing on technology and resources in the classroom! I know some education departments have a tech class for education - however mine, is lacking #games4ed
A3: In #Ontario there is no CS curriculum. This needs to change (I'll write it) Every state should have a formal CS curriculum. Teachers have been carrying the burden of responsibility for this because they know it matters, but governments need to step the hell up. #games4ed
A3:Would love to see more professional development for teachers on coding. Maybe after school sessions for parents. There are also toys being sold in stores like Target..parents could encourage their children to code through toys. #games4ed#regenttech4admin
There are many hearing impaired coders I’ve met who have an innate advantage in that they know the language and are just learning the vocabulary. Swift is good for those students too with it’s built in access. #games4ed
A3: More focus on creation than activities-more Scratch less turn left/right (even if you start there). Also based on recent conversations-a focus on the ethics of computer science-creating for its own sake can be problematic #ethicalcs#games4ed
A2: Coding is a skill with multiple benefits like logical thinking and problem solving! There was plenty of web design, development, and data science being used in business and other sectors before I moved to education #games4ed
A3: I would LOVE to see an increase in access for middle school Ss to take CS. Solving the diversity/gender gap in tech starts in MS. If we can reach girls/minority Ss during the most formative time of their lives, we can hook them - HS/college are too late. #games4ed
Kids always rebel against their parents. I wouldn’t be surprised if initially they want to live in a forest separate from tech until, as they age, they realize how much smarter you and @iwearthecrowns are. #games4ed
In reply to
@mr_isaacs, @mpilakow, @iwearthecrowns
One of my favorite coding "wins" year was a girl who said she got bored a lot in the summer time and ended up playing @CodeCombat the remainder of the summer #games4ed
The first book I bought with lesson ideas to use in @scratch is still my favorite: https://t.co/uIi0ktmiBo Buy it, play, build, learn, have fun, then teach it out. Don't be afraid to screw up, don't give up. Coding is hard. It requires persistence. #games4ed
LOL! Indeed, I tried to get my youngest to start coding for a sideproject in math class...little did I know, he already knew far more coding than me and he, too, was not interested in more right now. (I just want to be a builder, Mom.) #games4ed
And it’s not just the rent Facebook/Google issues. The creators need to consider the possible consequences as they build and consider bad actors. Despite claims, tech is not neutral. #games4ed
A4: ANY teacher can teach kids how to code. The resources available FOR FREE make it so that you can learn with your Ss while they have access to incredible, multifaceted instruction. @codeorg, @codecombat, @csteachersorg, @GirlsWhoCode, @ScratchEdTeam — all awesome! #games4ed
Kids always rebel against their parents. I wouldn’t be surprised if initially they want to live in a forest separate from tech until, as they age, they realize how much smarter you and @iwearthecrowns are. #games4ed
In reply to
@mr_isaacs, @mpilakow, @iwearthecrowns
A4: Have them build something tangible. I have noticed an increase in robotics competitions and similar to teach coding to youth. https://t.co/8ZQuzwdwlG#games4ed
I'm sad to hear that. I know many colleges are focusing more on tech classes (@Mr_JSpike is an awesome instructor in edtech!) but bummed that it's not the same for you. But the fact you're here doing it shows what an awesome teacher you'll be #Games4Ed
A4: It depends on the age/skill of the students. I may start with https://t.co/Lct0HU87jn, but I love the openness of Scratch. Tynker also allows for a lot of creation. Swift Playgrounds and Codesters=transition to script. My advice-you don’t have to be an expert. #games4ed
How did the past 30 minutes pass by so fast?!?! Thank you all for joining tonight's #games4ed chat!
Even though I'm far from experienced in coding, you all always inspire me!
You Rock!
I just recently presented on computational thinking, a great first step to coding. Here are some resources I curated. (Note: they tend to lean towards science examples) https://t.co/oVAwBBePtW#games4ed
Yes, robots are one of my favorite ways to make coding physical and tangible. LEGO robots help make them accessible to young learners. #games4edhttps://t.co/UyeDaLFYNZ
Still looking to celebrate #CSedWeek2018 ? Or looking for ways to Integrate CS concepts into the subject you teach? The #MinecraftEDU agent is a great way to integrate multidisciplinary subjects. @PlayCraftLearn#games4ed
If anyone was still looking for ways to finish up #CSEdWeek#HourofCode#games4ed achttps://braveintheattempt.com/2017/11/28/7-ways-to-celebrate-cs-ed-week/
