Genius Hour

Since last week, I have begun to gather a list of educational video games that myself and my friends recall from our childhoods. While we have not played every game of this type out there, I thought a good place to start would be with what I (or those close to me) are already familiar with.

One obstacle I encountered from time to time was a struggle with simply remembering the details or names of specific games. A lot of Googling and comparing memories between friends helped me pinpoint more of the names than I could have on my own.

By next week, I am hoping to have taken my very messy working document and refined it into a clear chart, as well as to have added more specific details about each game I have gathered. I am also planning to gather information on recent games next week, as so far I have only focused on older games. If I can, I plan to being my comparison between the two as well.


Educational Technology

What classroom activity has provided an "ah-ha" moment for you?

This week, I visited my placement school for my first Observation Day - and for the first time in my life, I saw someone using a SmartBoard as more than just a glorified projector. The classroom I visited had an exercise set up where the daily "VIP" of the class would write out the date and select a small activity to complete and explain to the rest of the class before morning announcements.

This made me excited about SmartBoards in a way I never really was before - I thought they were cool when I was younger, but again, I never really saw anyone using one to the full extent of their power. Actually prompting children to complete a morning activity of their own selection and show it to their peers seemed like a great use of the tool.

I would love to use a SmartBoard, as well as Plickers, in my future classroom. I think that the SmartBoard offers many opportunities, and I think that Plickers are a great way to poll a classroom without having to purchase expensive hardware or making the unfounded assumption that all students have access to a cell phone or laptop.

Until next time,
😊 Morgan