Why using games for learning foreign languages?
The integration of existing and upcoming educational technologies is becoming a trending topic among educators and educational organizations. Games in education may be perceived as a setback to learning by many people. However, its purpose in education is to boost students' motivation and engagement, strengthen visual skills, improve students' interaction and collaboration skills, and enable them to adapt gaming experiences to real-world situations. The “embodied and social problem-solving activities within virtual worlds can elicit responses that engage all facets of expertise.” Thomas & Brown (2007).
My mission
My goals in creating this website are to:
a) provide valuable resources that can assist educators in incorporating interactive games when they teach foreign languages
b) share some of my creations in the hope of inspiring other educators
c) provide some ideas about game creation.
In the video 'How games make kids smarter', Gabe Zichermann explains how games make kids better problem-solvers and multi-tasking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2N-5maKZ9Q
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As Zichermann, I believe that games based on foundational models of learning or representations of diverse pedagogies have promising prospects in the educational world.
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My philosophy
Throughout my career, I have sought to keep coming up with inventive methods for keeping my students engaged. Reflecting on my journey as a teacher, I have primarily emphasized the importance of experiential learning in the formation of well-rounded students. I found my inspiration in Dewey and Vygotsky’s models of constructivism, where the connection between activity and learning/development, particularly the significance of ordinary activities and social environment in the educational process, is emphasized.
In practice, I am aware that standing in front of students and lecturing them is not the most effective method of instruction. My approach to education is experiential, which gives my students real-world relevance beyond the classroom.