See below for Chapters 7-9
Quote: “All systems of play are, at base, learning systems. They are ways of engaging in complicated negotiations of meaning, interaction, and competition, not only for entertainment, but also for creating meaning". (97)
If we make our classes a system of play then we can greatly improve our classes. We can use them to engage students and to challenge them in ways they may not expect.
Question: What are things to keep in mind while making your class a style of play class? What do we need to keep in mind so that all students engage and enjoy?
Connection: We have always talked about making classes in a way that students will enjoy and engage by making it into a game. I have seen a TED talk where a teacher got his third grade students to do a world government game where students enjoyed it and learned a lot.
Epiphany/Aha: I can make my classroom into a game by having it survival themed and have the math learning be based upon different challenges that students will experience and have to overcome through using math.
Chapter 8:
Quote:
"the way young people participate with new media: hanging out, messing around, and geeking out...these three practices could frame a progression of learning that is endemic to digital networks". (100)
This progressions demonstrates that people work from experiencing media, then doing some participation, and finally becoming an active member of the media environment.
Question: What are the best supports we can give to our students so that they can progress to the final stage smoothly?
Connection: We have been progressing through these steps gradually as a class.
Epiphany/Aha: This is why the badges are titled what they are and why the class is structured the way it is.
Chapter 9:
Quote: "As we watch the world move to a state of near-constant change and flux, we believe that connecting play and imagination may be the single most important step in unleashing the new culture of learning”. (117, 118)
It is very important that this is kept in mind, that we are going through a time of change and that we need to make sure that we are always connecting play and imagination to ensure that our students are learning as much as we can get them too.
Question: How can we foster imagination in our classrooms when there are so many content standards that we need to meet?
Connection: There are so many new technologies coming out constantly that we are in an ever changing world, as we have talked about we need to ensure that we are choosing the correct types to foster students' imagination and play.
Epiphany/Aha: Our learning networks allow us to make connections and talk with other educators to filter out the best technologies that will work.