Technology & Learning - April 2009 - (Page 14) news trends ■ Teachers need to understand their role as content-area experts. One of the biggest fears teachers have about using EduGames is that there is not a role for them, which may lead to a loss of control in the classroom. Explaining the teacher’s role can alleviate their reluctance to try games. ■ Teachers need research and peer references. EduGames include DimensionM from Tabula Digita. A well-researched reference base is essential; it cannot be skimped on. is held to a much higher standard—and Educators assume that references are particularly so cutting-edge technology. there for more traditional materials, but newer, riskier products are naturally held ■ EduGames must be aligned to to a higher standard. standards. Games present some challenges in ■ EduGames need proof of efficacy. this area because of the naturally multiOne rarely hears school boards disciplinary nature of gaming, and demanding to know how much textbecause many of the skills they [stubooks are being used and what results dents] develop are not part of the core are being attained. Education technology curriculum (but should be!). HOW TO SELL IN-CLASS GAMING Drawn from the recent report Guidelines for K-12 Education released by the SIIA. For the full document, go to www.siia.net/ education. ■ Give teachers a metaphor that connects EduGames to something familiar. In schools, EduGames are most closely related to lab work—hands-on time for students to explore and use what they have learned elsewhere. ■ EduGames need to contain guidelines for classroom management. Most teachers will need to understand how classroom management and professional development will be addressed before they will agree to use EduGames. Follow the Money According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Utah officials intend to spend about $57 million of the $500 million headed their way for Title 1 schools, which serve a high percentage of lowincome children. State school superintendent Harrington wants to use that money on new computer labs, electronic writing software, and individualized programs to help teach English as a second language. In addition to $386.3 million in stabilization funds for local school districts, Iowa will receive $3.2 million to outfit classrooms with new computers $ Who is doing what with their stimulus cash and software. The money will also fund professional development. The St. Louis Beacon reports that Missouri will receive about $13.7 million, including $4 million in regulartechnology funding and an extra $9.7 million from the stimulus package. The much larger school population in Illinois is getting $36.6 million in technology funding, including $26.6 million in high-tech money from the educational stimulus program. To read up-to-the-minute stimulus news and to search other states, go to techlearning.com. 14 | TECH & LEARNING http://www.siia.net/education http://www.siia.net/education http://www.myweblockers.com http://www.myweblockers.com http://www.techlearning.com
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