| If you walk into the modern classroom, you will | | | | works to strengthen their math skills. Both you |
| be hard pressed to find one that is not equipped | | | | and your children's teacher will approve of that |
| with at least one computer, if not more. The | | | | type of screen time! |
| computer is becoming a permanent fixture in the | | | | Educational computer games can also help |
| classroom, and some schools are even giving | | | | strengthen the thinking skills of students. Games |
| students laptops to use for school purposes. This | | | | that ask students to solve mysteries are a great |
| is not surprising considering how computer driven | | | | way to develop critical thinking skills in a fun, |
| our society is, but many parents and | | | | supportive way. These types of games are the |
| grandparents are surprised when they learn that | | | | ones that kids can play and learn without realizing |
| computer games are being used in the classroom. | | | | that they are learning something! |
| What purpose do computer games in the | | | | When using computer games in the classroom, it |
| classroom serve? Are they simply there to fill | | | | is important to monitor what your students are |
| time in place of board games or outdoor playing, | | | | doing. For example, you may find that a student |
| or do they serve an educational purpose? While | | | | always plays the basic math game that he knows |
| games are often used to fill those times when | | | | he can win. He doesn't really need to practice in |
| students need something entertaining to do, they | | | | spelling, so you might encourage him to embark |
| do serve a very important purpose. | | | | on a history mystery game instead. Whenever |
| Children enjoy using the computer. In fact, long | | | | possible, computer games should be used to work |
| before most kids have thought about school they | | | | on skills that a student needs to strengthen. |
| have been on a computer. Video games, both | | | | As with any computer use, playing computer |
| computerized and on the television, are also | | | | games must be balanced with other learning. Most |
| extremely popular with children. Children will play | | | | children would be willing to play games all day long. |
| computer games, so why not use them to | | | | This, of course, is not a good way to educate |
| reinforce educational material while they play? | | | | students. On the other hand, never allowing a |
| Computer games in the classroom do not replace | | | | student to play on the computer could be harming |
| the teacher's role. They are used for practice and | | | | him. He will be missing out on valuable practice |
| drill in most situations. Even though some subjects | | | | time and a fun way to approach learning. The |
| can be taught exclusively on the computer, such | | | | balance should allow students to play, while at the |
| as typing, other subjects can be practiced and | | | | same time providing traditional instruction |
| reinforced by playing computer games. Take | | | | throughout the school day. |
| spelling as an example. When students need to | | | | So the next time you walk into your child's school |
| practice their spelling words, a simple computer | | | | and see her on the computer, don't worry. She is |
| game like hangman could be used to help them | | | | being entertained, challenged and learning at the |
| practice in a fun, relaxed manner. | | | | same time! Computer games play a vital role in a |
| Educational software can be used in the home as | | | | well-balanced classroom, so take some time to |
| well as the school. You know that your kids love | | | | thank your teacher for allowing your kids some |
| to play on the computer. Imagine giving them a | | | | time to play! |
| game to play that is fun while at the same time | | | | |