September 2003 — Industry Perspective
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Educational PDA Games Engage Students, Teach Essential Language Skills
From applications that allow students to register for classes, obtain assignments or review curriculum, to programs that assist with history, science and mathematics, the possibilities are truly endless. Yet, educational software d'esn't stop there. Some of the most overlooked learning-related software applications are those that have the potential to teach, while providing an entertainment value that holds a student's attention and makes learning more fun.That's Entertainment!
While some students have a natural ambition for learning, others need to be inspired or challenged. A teacher's ability to maintain a student's interest is key to his or her effective learning. Just as television, the Internet and video games attract students' attention during off-school hours, the same concept (used wisely) can be used as a motivational tool in the classroom.
Consider, for example, the use of PDA games in the development of vocabulary skills. There are a number of word games that are now available for PDAs that make putting words together fun and challenging. Since many students learn more from doing than from simply listening, these games are ideal spelling comprehension tools. They offer challenges for solving various word puzzles and even allow students to compete against others as a method of motivation. We know that students are driven to excel when given the opportunity to compete. So, it only seems wise to use that natural characteristic to increase their interest in learning.
The Educational Value of Word Games
Many educators perceive games as only time-fillers - something to use at the end of the day or during periods when there is nothing better to do. We've all got a neat set of word-search sheets copied and ready for use in case of an emergency, but I hope everyone agrees that this is not the best way to educate students. Word games on PDAs allow learning to continue outside of the classroom walls, because students can take their devices with them wherever they go. In addition, word games can create an incentive for learning language skills, especially for students who find it hard to focus over a long period of time.
Here are some of the areas that can be clearly enhanced through the use of well-developed PDA games:
- Concentration and attention span
- Memory skills
- Hand-eye coordination
- Reading skills
- Writing skills (learning to write in the "Graffiti" style for handhelds requires considerable care for accurate letter recognition)
- Vocabulary and numeracy
- Confidence (appropriate feedback in games can be a great confidence boost)
- Problem solving
Based on my previous experience as a teacher, I know that students vary widely in their learning styles. It makes sense for modern teachers to have as many teaching methods available in their armory as possible; educational PDA games would add neatly to the methods they've already employed. While some students may benefit from copying vocabulary words on a chalkboard, others would rather get cavities filled than willingly work on spelling skills. Wouldn't your students rather build their vocabulary while playing a fun game? Wouldn't you?
Contact Information
Astraware Ltd.
The Midlands, England
+44 (0)1782 667820
www.astraware.com
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