Course 6715 Final Reflection

For weeks 6 & 7 I was asked to create a lesson plan for a MUVE or digital game that could be used in the classroom. I chose digital game, because although I see a lot of benefits with having virtual worlds in the classroom, I believe that there are a lot of "bugs" that need to be worked out before it can be used in a middle school setting. One concern is the amount of time it takes to learn how to use a MUVE. There are companies that are fine tuning and perfecting the use of virtual worlds, but I would like to see some improvements and do some research on digital worlds before selling them to the staff. They are definitely going to be a great tool in teaching.
The digital game that I chose was Civilization. This is a great history tool that can used in my class, which is ancient civilizations. The amount of higher level thinking involved with the game is incredible. Students are thinking and having fun. The perfect combination. This course was about new technologies that "fresh off the press" The digital game is a new concept in the traditional classroom. This course focused on finding new technology, 21st century technology to use in the classroom. Digital games are a perfect example of this.
This summer, I will research how to adopt/purchase Civilization III for my classroom. I must say that time is a large concern. Content Standards, district and state testing make it difficult. I am planning on meeting with the other 6th grade teachers to see what ideas WE can come up with to incorporate some digital games into our curriculum. I have found that change can happen on a small scale, and if it is successful than more people want to join. I am going to start with the 6th grade team and see how the trial works out. I have learned so much in all the masters classes and have changed my idea of how I can best aide my students in learning. Now it is time to spread the word, the 21st century word.