In learning more about the use of technology in the classroom I am seeing more positive reasons to integrate online educational games with the curriculum in order to enhance the learning process for the students. Many parents are doubtful when it comes to the benefits of online gaming. Be that as it may, researchers have established that when balanced and supervised properly, students learning can be aided greatly in this way.
Although I know that this is a controversial topic, as a mom, and as a teacher of pre-kindergarten aged children, I too see the benefits of online educational games. I'd like to share several of my favorites with you. Have your child try them, and see what you think. I've also included a link below, and some benefits of online games for children. Enjoy! Let me know your thoughts. How do you stand on the topic of online gaming in education?
Some of My Favorite Online Educational Games
*Find the Pair
Student finds and then clicks on the matching pair. They have the opportunity to go from level 1 to level 10. In the classroom this game could be used as supplemental material to help the students learn how to create pairs, and assist in learning how to count.
http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/games/find-the-pair.aspx
* The New One
Student selects the object that wasn't there before. This game is an excellent mental challenge. "The New One" could be used in the classroom, once again, as supplemental material. This game ,would encourage concentration, in so much, that the student will pay close attention in order to determine which object was newly introduced to the page.
http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/games/the-new-one.aspx
* Amazing Alphabet Match-Up
A fun and challenging memory-type game where students find the matching alphabet letter and picture that begins with that letter. (i.e. B and balloon) Easy, medium or hard levels available. In the classroom, this partuicular game could be used as reinforcement as letters are recognized and sounds are learned.
http://pbskids.org/superwhy/#game/alphapigconcentration
* Letter Sounds Match-Up
A game that challenges students as they match the alphabet letter with the sound it makes. Easy, medium and hard levels are available in this concentration-type game. As students are learning individual letter sounds, "Letter Sounds Match-Up" is a great way to reinforce what sounds each letter makes and connect that with an object that begins with that sound.
http://pbskids.org/superwhy/#game/princessprestoconcentration
* Number Train Game
An ordering numbers game where the student "drops" the numbers 1-20 into the correct train car in the proper order. Only three numbers are given at a time in order to allow the child to be successful. Towards the end of the school year the "Number Train Game" would be excellent in either the introduction or reinforcing of number recognition, counting in order, and placing numbers in the correct order.
www.softschools.com/counting/games/number_train/
The benefits range from developing social skills in the virtual environment, increasing the ability of the child to successfully maneuver around and operate a computer, increasing emotional intellect, and assisting in the academic endeavors of the child.
1. Children who play games online are able to enjoy the reward and satisfaction that comes with the small goals that are often established in games.
2. If children engage in online gaming that involves playing with other children from other areas of the world, they can benefit in that they learn the importance and fun when it comes to sharing and taking turns.
3. The next advantage to playing games that involve other players is that your children will learn how to cooperate in a team setting.
4. There have many conclusive studies that indicate that children who play games that are video based on a regular basis have better eye-hand coordination than those children who do not play video games.
5. There are a number of games that are available online that focus on challenging the mind of the individual who plays it.
6. When a child plays online games, it has been found that the technology skills that are necessary to live in today’s world are greatly enhanced.
7. Children who play online games can learn how to multitask in an effective manner.
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