Response to Ch 3

1. My first impression of Sodaplay was that it was somewhat boring. It also did not come right out and say what it was about. It took quite a bit of exploring with the various game things to figure out what to do. This microworld appears to be used to help with Science and more specifically physics. Its purpose seems to be to allow students to see how various changes in gravity, stickyness, or weight, etc affect physics by actually adjusting those variables. This could be used to help elementary students who are learning physics concepts to actually see how physics works by controlling the variables they are learning about. Without this, they can be taught how these various things affect our world but will not actually be able to see it. By being able to see what they are learning, they will have more meaningful learning about the concepts.

2. Net Frog- My first impression of this simulation was that it was alright, but not amazing and is definitely not the same as actually dissecting a frog. I am not a fan of using simulations for frog dissection. I remember dissecting frogs in 7th grade and absolutely hated it. However, by actually touching the frog and all of its grossness, I think I really learned about dissecting and biology. I also still remember the whole experience to this day. I think if I had used a simulation, I would not. I think students can learn from using this simulation, but they will not remember it forever so I do not think it is as meaningful. However, I think that if circumstances do not allow actual dissecting, this simulation is an acceptable alternative.
Funderstanding Roller Coaster- My first impression of this simulation was that it was somewhat boring but that it did get the idea across. I would probably use this simulation with students because I can quickly show them what we are learning about physics. I can also allow them to experiment with it. This can allow them to explore and learn without having to do something really complicated or costly. I think this does promote meaningful learning since the students are getting to visually see concepts that they are learning about and can physically affect what they see. By doing and seeing the effects of physics, they will most likely truly understand and remember the concepts.

3. http://www.smg2000.org/ The Stock Market Game. This simulation (for grades 4-12)helps students learn about the stock market by giving them "money" that they must invest. This simulation uses real stock market numbers to affect the students' investments. I think this simulation seems very interesting and a good way to learn many things at once. This promotes meaningful learning since students can practice what they are learning and really understand how the stock market works. This simulation affects multiple subjects including math, social studies, and language arts. It also helps students with critical thinking and decision making.

4. Darfur is Dying- My first impression of the game was that it was interesting but a little too complicated for me. I could not really figure out how to do the things necessary in the came. I might use the game with students. I would have to be teaching older elementary students or older and I would only allow it during free time or when students finish their work. I think students could learn about Darfur and see how difficult to do tasks such as getting water and how dangerous it is. I think the game promotes some meaningful learning but mostly I felt like it was just information and students would not necessarily even click on the question marks to get some of that information.
Aviti: The Cost of Life- My first impression was that I had played this game before so I was already familiar with it. I think this game is somewhat similar to the last game in giving information about the hardships of people in these areas. I pretty much feel the same way about this game as I do Darfur is Dying. It is only suitable for older students and I would only use this game during free times. I think this game promotes some meaningful learning by giving out information and by having the players suffer (by losing) in a representative way of the people in Haiti. However, I think some students might just see this game as a competition against the computer and may not actually learn anything.
3rd World Farmer- My first impression of this game and actually this relates to all the games is how depressing they are. My farm survived for 22 turns but I do not know what a good amount of turns is. I think this game shows students how difficult it is to be a farmer in a third world country. However, this game did not have little bits of information about the lives of these people; it simply lets the player experience loss and hardships. I would probably allow this game in my classroom in the same situation as the other two games.

5. http://www.primarygames.com/math/multiplication/index.htm This is a math game for children who know their multiplication tables which would be second grade to fifth grade. It is a fun way to practice multiplication tables while having to do some extra thinking to plan ahead to be competitive. In the game, the student plays against the computer to fill in four squares in a row. This is done by multiplying the given number by a number of your choice that will create an answer that will either block the opponent or help the student get to four squares. The game is fun and challenging but not in a confusing way. This game addresses several of Gee’s principles. It is active learning as the child has to actively come up with numbers to make the multiplication table. It addresses the practice principle as this is a fun way to practice multiplication tables without getting boring.

6. I researched virtual worlds for elementary students and found some examples of how they can be used. This includes interacting with famous people (past and present), exploring rocks, oceans, and other things outside of the classrooms, and connecting with students in other schools. I think the main concern when find virtual worlds for elementary students to use is content. The content needs to be appropriate for their age group as well as being able to actually teach something. I looked up this information on virtual world sites, teacher websites which had reviews, and different projects that researched the use of virtual worlds in classrooms.
http://horizonproject.wikispaces.com/Virtual+Worlds+-+Impact+on+Education
http://www.cs.ucf.edu/~moshell/CREAT/Caracol/TimeTravelRep.html

7. I have never taken any class that taught programming and I know nothing about it. I do not know anything about HTML code or any programming languages. I do not really even understand what programming is. Although I am willing to learn, I definitely struggle with some of these technological types of things.