Group Discussion / Free Educational Games

Antonio Quichocho
Winda Espulgar
Robert Caguin
Daniel Pangelinan
Darlene Vigil
Group #1 Discussion

It is amazing how technology has taken over the world. Everything from mail to travel is now available at the convenience of a screen and the World Wide Web. This wonderful advancement has made its mark everywhere, to include the classroom. Many educators have utilized technology at least once in their teaching career. There are thousands upon thousands resources available to not only teachers but students as well. Because of this modern progression, countless students have the vast knowledge of the internet, computers, and its functions. Educational games also have allowed the student-teacher rapport to increase. The mention of the word “game” will ignite interests upon the students in the classroom. It seems as if students are inclined to want to learn if the lesson integrates technology.
So when does an instructor know when, what, or how to add these technological tools to their everyday, mundane lesson plans? The answer varies among many educators. Some may say that the appropriate timing is based on students learning. Some also argue that it is the availability of the resources. In all fairness, it is based on both learning and availability.
Many times the teacher struggles to get by a simple lesson plan in mathematics. How does one teach 7-year old Jimmy how to properly add? How do you motivate little Betty to do her homework? All these questions embed the mind of the instructor. Sometimes the teacher has to take the risk in what is known as student-centered teaching. This process is a reciprocating procedure. Instead of the teacher giving lectures left and right, the students take over their learning. Allowing students access to online games calls for excellent student-centered teaching because of its simplicity and fun. Students will be more likely to engage in an activity where they can “control” the learning environment.
A prime example is the Math Scramble game available on www.problemsite.com. This game focuses on a puzzle format. There are three levels in this game; easy, moderate, and challenging. Students move tiles with numbers to the appropriate math equation. This is a key game to learners in the intermediate and advance level. However the game may be a problem for beginners because of its inaccessibility to hints, and answer buttons. Because of this, it is only appropriate that this game be for students in the intermediate to advance levels.