This summer we’re offering two new courses, Simulations and Gaming Technologies in the Classroom (SGT) and Reading Across the Curriculum (RAC), both of which have gone through field testing and are ready to go. Both courses have many features in common: current educational theory, hands on activities, and collaboration to create new products.
SGT delves into why children learn from computer games and then asks students to develop a hands on lesson plan that uses a game as a learning tool. They are also required to play several different games, ranging from DinerDash to Runescape (all free to play), and then reflect upon why the game was effective (or not) and how it can be used in a classroom. Small groups collaborate to build games using a free game creation software that follows the basic guidelines of game design. By the end of the course students have a better understanding of how to use games in general as an effective learning tool within their classrooms.
RAC, while no less intense, focuses on how teachers can teach students to read regardless of the content area being taught. For content area teachers, the information and strategies in this course are invaluable. Students will discover how to:
- incorporate before, during and after reading strategies into their lesson plans
- motivate students to read
- find materials & technology for their classrooms
- create a classroom library
- assess content area reading
In addition, RAC also offers several vignettes that allow reflective thinking about the content within the topic or module.
The next course in the Reading series is Foundations of Literacy: Beginning Reading. This course focuses on pre-reading milestones and how teachers can help any student achieve them. Keep an eye out for field testing later this year!
As a final note, we’re offering a new and improved Teaching Through Learning Channels this summer! A lot of hard work has gone into streamlining this popular course. It’s now even more user friendly, including up-to-date information and brand new hands on activities.
