Gaming in the Classroom

• 8th Grade

• Prealgebra/ Algebra

• 25 student class size with a 250 student enrollment

• Location: Rural Southwest Virginia

Learning Experience Topic:

Volume and Surface Area: 

Students design rectangular prisms (houses), calculate their volume and surface area, and compare results with classmates. 

Learner Expectations:

• Completed assigned worksheet collaborativly 

• Demonstrate understanding by showing how volume and surface area are found

• Present their builds and explain the math behind their creations

Grouping:

• Pairs or small groups (3–4 students)

Student Accomplishments:

• Completed Minecraft builds (prisms/houses) tied to surface area and volume

• Completed worksheet

Academic Skills Targeted:

• Identifying and recording length, width, and height 

• Application of Formulas

• Computation Accuracy

• Data Comparison & Analysis

• Mathematical Communication

Resources Needed:

• Minecraft Education Edition licenses

• Computers or tablets for all students

• Graph paper, rulers, calculators, pencils 

Non-Academic Skills Applied:

• Creativity by designing builds

• Communication and collaboration

• Technology Skills

• Initiative

• Productivity and accountability by completing tasks in groups

• Leadership and responsibility 

1. Describe your general attitudes toward the value of gaming BEFORE watching the video.

Honestly, I find gaming not valuable because I feel like screen time is not healthy for children, along with alot of the underlying messages learned in modern day video games. I have seen the death of true creatvity and imagination in children who are cronically online today because they lack the ability to play and be creative without the help of another. 

2. What is your overall impression of the points Dr. McGonigal tried to make in her presentation?

I believe Dr. McGonigal is trying to make good points; however, when you look at the true world wide effect gaming and virtual reality has on humanity I do not believe it is a positive one. I do think she has a point that games have the potential to transfer over the emotions given by them to the real world, but how often do you see these emotions transfered over in gamers or people playing these "real world problem games". Just because they have the potential to be effective does not mean they will be popular enough to be effective. 

3. Did the presentation change your attitude about the value of gaming? If so, how?

This TED Talk did not really change my opinion.